Social Worker

Job Summary: In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team (IDT), provides and facilitates acquisition of economic, social, and emotional support services to hospice patients and their families/caregivers. 

Essential Functions:

• Performs advocacy and oversight of hospice services based on patient self-determination to assure patient and family/caregiver satisfaction.
• Assists patient and family/caregiver with placement arrangements, funeral arrangements, legal planning, and community resources in accordance with the plan of care.
• Assesses patient/family/caregiver social, emotional, and financial factors to cope with the terminal illness and death; their psychosocial status; potential for risk of suicide and/or abuse or neglect; environment, resources, obstacles to maintaining safety; and caregiver’s ability to function adequately.
• Identifies the developmental level of patient/family/caregiver and obstacles to learning or ability to participate in care of the patient.
• Develops, implements, and revises the plan of care based on a thorough psychosocial assessment and consultation with team members, patient, and caregivers.
• Evaluates patient for level of care changes (long term care, respite, discharge) when appropriate and assesses ability to accept the change.
• Assesses and develops instructions and plans of care reflecting needs identified for homemaker assistance.
• Identifies patient/family/caregiver needs when discharged or when level of care changes; evaluates patient/family/caregiver response to intervention(s) when discharged or when level of care changes.
• Assesses the need for counseling related to risk assessment for pathological grief; provides counseling services to the patient/family/caregiver experiencing emotional, social and economic conflict; evaluates patient/family/caregiver response to psychosocial interventions. 
• Assesses and provides grief support and education to patients and their families/caregivers. Assesses special needs related to cultural diversity including communication, space, role of family members and special traditions.
• Documents patient care following established organizational standards of documentation practice, and regulatory and licensure requirements, submits documentation in accordance with policy.
• Works collaboratively with other IDT members, communicates complete and accurate information and assists team members in understanding the significant social and emotional factors related to care of terminally ill patients and their caregivers.
• Works collaboratively and actively participates in team functions, meetings, and acts as a resource for staff members and orientees when appropriate and/or requested.
• Evaluates and monitors patient’s insurance coverage and options in assessing patient/caregiver ability to meet financial obligations and responds to third party payor requests. Offers appropriate internal and community resources and assists patients, caregivers, and staff in acquiring and utilizing resources, as indicated.
• Proactively problem solves and identifies solutions utilizing critical thinking skills.
• Participates in internal and external education and training, quality improvement initiatives, in-services, development of protocols and standards and other activities to promote hospice practice as well as personal and professional growth.
• Utilizes allocated supplies and resources appropriately to ensure business outcomes are met.
• Adjusts to changes in workload, schedules based on changing departmental/organizational priorities.
• Adheres to organizational Code of Conduct, policies and procedures and all regulatory and legal requirements.
• Adheres to the NorthStar standards to care for every person, every time, 100% of the time.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) obtained from a school of social work accredited by the Council of Social Work Education is required; a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) is preferred.
• Possession of a current license to practice social work issued by the State of Michigan is required. A Limited Licensed Masters Social Worker (LLMSW) or a Licensed Bachelors Social Worker (LBSW) may be considered, but a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) is highly preferred.
• A minimum of one (1) year paid social work experience required; hospice or related health care experience preferred.
• Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently and be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing in internal and external relationships for all essential job functions.
• Ability to use technology (hardware and software) required of clinicians in their practice.  
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgment, effective organizational, prioritization and follow-through skills, attention to detail, tact, dependability, emotional intelligence, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and promote positive, constructive relationships with communication and collaboration at all levels.
• Proof of current tuberculin testing required.  Patient contact will not be allowed until tuberculin clearance is documented.
• The physical and sensory demands of the position include: vision, effective speech and hearing for extensive telephone contact; repetitive motion; traveling; driving or riding in motor vehicle; standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, and stretching; lifting up to forty five (45) pounds unassisted and the ability to assist in lifting patients using appropriate lifting techniques and/or devices.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.