JOB SUMMARY: The 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 of Employment Agreement.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Must have an undergraduate degree (B.A.), in social work and licensure in the state they will work in
Must have minimum of two (2) years of documented supervised experience in health care, hospice experience preferred
Must understand hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying.
Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker is desirable
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Must demonstrate strong interpersonal and communications skills
Must possess the ability to function effectively in a facility and home environment, with individual patients and in group situations, as well as all cultural and ethnic backgrounds
Must demonstrate good verbal and written communication, and organization skills
Must understand hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Must be flexible in work hours
Must demonstrate willingness to maintain comprehensive working knowledge regarding information systems and applicable software programs
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Assess 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
Provide an assessment in the patient's identified residence and assistance when this is not safe, and another plan is required
Carry out social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high risks for suicide, neglect or abuse and plan intervention based on evaluation findings
Counsel patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties; provide crisis intervention when necessary
Assess for, and educate interdisciplinary group, on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family, including communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos
Maintain clinical records on all patients referred to social work
Educate patients and families on, and assist in, preparation of advanced directives
Provide information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs
Provide information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies
Serve as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies
Maintain collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care
Maintain and develop contacts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel
Participate in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attend regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assist the team in recognizing the effects of the psychosocial stresses on symptoms of the terminal illness
Assist physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues
Actively participate in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities
Assist family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities
Perform other duties as delegated by the Clinical Supervisor
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Must comply with company policies, procedures and processes in addition to Hospice and Homecare rules and regulations
Must comply with harassment and discrimination policies
Must foster good working relationships
The employee must be able to work a flexible schedule including days, nights, holidays and weekends
Must have a safe and functional automobile, valid drivers license and full automobile coverage
Must be willing to submit to a criminal background check prior to hire and annually thereafter
Must possess and maintain current CPR Certification
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:
May be required to stand and sit for long periods
Must be able to hear and see with or without aid
Must be able to read and follow instructions as required
Social workers must be able to handle the stress of working with families facing the loss of their loved one including, but not limited to, family conflicts, logistics, and emotional situations
Must be willing to participate in a drug/alcohol screen prior to hire, if involved in a work-related automobile accident and if reasonable suspicion is reported