Medical Social Worker-Hospice

Job Summary

Responsible and accountable for a caseload of patients. Plans, organizes, develops, and implement social services needed by the hospice patient.

Essential Job Functions

· Meets or contacts the patient and/or family/caregiver(s) for an initial referral assessment visit or home setting to address/identify psycho-social needs and goals of the patient and family.

· Provides direct Social Work services to the patient and family, including, but not limited to clinical assessment, counseling, teaching, crisis intervention, and procurement of and/or referral to community resources.

· Collects, records and reports patient data. Documents and communicate information regarding patient status.

· Participates in interdisciplinary and other various meetings. Coordinates care with nurses, therapists, and other health care providers in the delivery of patient services.

· Patient advocacy, counseling and teaching are important aspects of this role.

· Reviews and provides input for policies and procedures related to delivery of social services through the Hospice program.

· participate in mandatory training on EHR and Empower (Time & Attendance) and demonstrate basic competency in the functions applicable to their role.

· Collaborates closely with hospice healthcare providers and family.

· Requires the ability to effectively interact with patients, significant others, and other health team members, including medical staff members.

· When the Social Worker is the Hospice Manager, the supervisor is the Chief Nursing Officer.

· Employee will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

Minimum Requirements

· Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a school of social work, or Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or other field related to social work and will be supervised by an MSW.

· One year of social work experience in healthcare setting OR has a Bachelor’s degree from a school of social work, is employed by the hospice department before Dec. 2, 2008, and is not required to be supervised by an MSW.

· Possess a working knowledge of community health, welfare, and social agencies, as well as any Federal, State, or local rules and regulations for reimbursement.

· Completed and cleared Idaho state background check.

Skills/Competencies

· Requires the ability to effectively interact with patients, significant others, and other health team members, including medical staff members.

· Requires creativity and ability to problem solve in the home environment.

· Effective communication skills, precision, accuracy and thoroughness are essential to this job.