Medial social services will be provided by a qualified social worker, under the direction of a physician. Social work services will be based on the patient’s psychosocial assessment and the patient's and family’s needs. The social worker will participate in the coordination of care with the Interdisciplinary Group/Team (IDG/T) and participate in on-call rotation per the Hospice needs.

Essential Functions:

• Assesses and completes the Comprehensive Assessment within five (5) days of the patient’s election of hospice care to identify the patient and family’s psychosocial, financial, environmental, and community needs as evidenced by POC documentation, clinical records, IDG/T meetings, and community resource referrals.
• Assists with advance directives, funeral planning, discharge planning, and family counseling and may assist in changes in the level of care as indicated by the patient or family’s needs.
• Uses effective interpersonal communication skills both verbal and written.
• Meets mandatory continuing education requirements of the Hospice and licensing board.
• Demonstrates commitment, professional growth, and competency by maintaining a working knowledge of public and private eligibility standards and requirements.
• Attends IDG/Team meetings, participates in the patient care planning process, and coordinates and collaborates with the IDG to promote coordination of patient care.
• Accepts clinical assignments that are consistent with education and competence to meet the needs of the patients.

Education:

Social Work (MSW) degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; or Baccalaureate degree in social work from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; or Baccalaureate degree in psychology, sociology, or other field related to social work and is supervised by an MSW; and has 1 (one) year of social work experience in a healthcare setting; or Baccalaureate degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, is employed by the Hospice before December 2, 2008, and is not required to be supervised by an MSW.

Experience: One (1) year of experience in palliative care or hospice preferred.