What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Worker position at HOSPICE OF THE PANHANDLE, INC?
The Social Worker determines patient/family social service needs with the patient and family, and delivers direct social work services. Must have a current West Virginia Social Work (LSW at a minimum) license in good standing.
Level of Responsibility: Reports to Director of Advanced Illness
Status: Non-exempt, hourly, full time
Schedule: Full-time; Monday-Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm; participates in the on-call back-up rotation
Why Join Our Team?
At Hospice of the Panhandle, we believe exceptional care begins with exceptional people. We have been dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care and support to patients and families throughout our community. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven organization committed to making a meaningful difference every day.
What We Offer:
- Competitive pay
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and company-paid holidays
- Career development and advancement opportunities
- Employee assistance and wellness programs
- Supportive team environment and strong company culture
- Work-life balance and flexibility
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to identify the emotional, social, cultural, spiritual, and practical needs of patients and families.
- Provide counseling, crisis intervention, and emotional support to patients and caregivers coping with illness, grief, loss, depression, anxiety, and end-of-life concerns.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with patients, families, physicians, nursing facility staff, community agencies, and interdisciplinary team members.
- Facilitate care planning discussions, family meetings, and goal-setting activities to support patient-centered and family-centered care.
- Assist patients and families with advance care planning, including advance directives, living wills, medical powers of attorney, and end-of-life decision-making.
- Connect patients, caregivers, and families with community resources, bereavement services, spiritual support, volunteer services, and other supportive programs.
- Participate as an active member of the interdisciplinary hospice team to coordinate care, communicate patient needs, and ensure alignment of care plans across settings.
- Assess safety concerns, including risk for self-harm, abuse, or neglect, and implement appropriate interventions in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate hospice transitions, including admissions, discharges, transfers, revocations, respite placements, and inpatient or nursing facility care arrangements.
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation and regulatory compliance while meeting productivity standards, participating in on-call responsibilities, and supporting organizational goals.
Education and Experience:
1. Graduate of a nationally accredited school of social work. Minimum level of education of BSW required, MSW preferred.
2. Must have a current West Virginia Social Work LSW (at a minimum) license in good standing.
3. Two years social work experience, with end-of-life or healthcare experience preferred.
4. Able to provide own transportation, and a license to drive with current liability insurance. Driving record meets Hospice’s insurance company standards.
Physical Qualifications:
- Ability to transport self to office and patient care settings throughout the service area.
- Ability to walk from car to patient's room in their care setting and perform essential job functions.
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in English language.
- Ability to hear normal conversations in person and via phone.
- Ability to read normal or condensed print.
Equipment Used: Telephone, electronic equipment, office equipment.