Medical SOCIAL WORKER

Job Description Summary

The Medical Social Worker contracted or employed through the organization is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services and for adherence to all conditions in the Service or Employment Agreement.

• Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment and communicates findings to the registered nurse and other members of the interdisciplinary group. Provides an assessment in the patient's identified residence and assistance when this is not safe and another plan is required.
• Carries out social evaluations and plans intervention based on evaluation findings. Counsel’s patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties.
  Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work.
• Provides information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.
• Provides information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.
  Serves as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
• Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel.
  Participates in the development of the plan of care and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings.
• Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.
• Participates in discharge planning when needed. Assists patient and family/caregiver with securing durable power of attorney and with funeral arrangements, as needed.
• Other duties as delegated by the Hospice Director/Administrator.

Position Qualifications

• (A) Has a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; or
• (B) Has a baccalaureate degree in social work from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; or a baccalaureate degree in psychology, sociology, or other field related to social work and is supervised by an MSW as described in paragraph (b)(3)(i)(
• A) of this section; and has one year of social work experience in a health care setting.
• Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying.
• Experience in a hospice care preferred.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.