HOSPICE OF THE GOLDEN ISLES- FULL TIME SOCIAL WORKER

Job Title:         Social Worker

Reports To:     Director of Clinical Services

Departments: In-Patient/Field Team                                                         FLSA Status: Exempt

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the general direction of the Director of Clinical Services, the Social Worker provides supportive services to patients, family members, primary caregivers, and significant others to help meet social, emotional and economic needs in relation to the impact of terminal illness. These services include initial psychosocial assessment, ongoing services, bereavement work, interdisciplinary team planning and consultation with other staff members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Understand, implement and monitor National Hospice and Palliative Care Guidelines for Social Workers and any other training that may be necessary to complete the assigned duties.
• Complete a psychosocial assessment describing the status and needs of the patient and caregiver according to Conditions of Participation, HGI policies, and Best Practices.
• Participate as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team at team conference in order to assist staff members in understanding the significant social and emotional factors related to care of the terminally ill patient and family dynamics.
• Assist patients and/or families with ongoing financial and social needs and interpersonal communication by making a minimum of one (1) family contact per month for each patient.
• Provide education and support to long-term care facility staff.
• Assist the Bereavement Coordinator with follow-up services as needed including individual visits and support groups.
• Assist with marketing and public education to promote Hospice of the Golden Isles, Inc.
• Initiate and participate in the discharge planning process according to Conditions of Participation, HGI policies, and Best Practices.
• Maintains up to date records using EMR system so problems, plans, actions and goals are accurately and clearly stated according to HGI policies, best practice, and regulatory requirements.
• Successfully completes the annually required in-service as assigned.
• Displays critical thinking skills to problem solve and manage patient and family issues according to Hospice and Standard of Practice and HGI policies and procedures.
• Informs supervisor of unusual, problematic patient/family issues.
• Demonstrates familiarity with HGI policies/procedures and follows state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Performs assignments as directed.
• Maintains a positive work atmosphere by demonstrating behavior and communicating in a professional manner suitable for interaction with customers, clients, co-workers and management.

·       Provide counseling support and network (referral) services as needed.

·       Participate in the coordination of volunteers.

·       Assure timely review of all emails and voice messages.

·       Assist with other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

·       Develop and implement care plans for all new admissions and Hospice patients.

·       Update the Plan of Care at the time of patient recertification for continued Hospice care.

·       Participates in QAPI program as appropriate.

·       Attends regular staff meetings as scheduled.

·       Participates in emergency disaster processes as defined by HGI policies.

·       Assures timely review of all emails and voice messages and responds as required.

·       Maintains the confidentiality of all patients.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s level or higher Social Work degree and license eligible, license preferred, in the state of Georgia. Clinical experience in varied multidisciplinary settings. Minimum two (2) years supervised experience in health or related field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position requires moderate to intense visual concentration, reading, using a computer and reviewing patient charts. This position has daily contact with patients, families, medical facilities; physicians, physician office staff, and HGI staff requiring excellent communication and problem-solving skills and professional demeanor. This position requires the ability to travel across the five counties in which HGI is licensed to serve.