Helping Hands is expanding and looking for a Social Worker to be part of our company growth and diversification. 

Helping Hands is looking for PRN Social Worker. 

BASIC PURPOSE

This is a professional position responsible for the provision of a wide range of psychosocial services to terminally ill patients and their families, including completing the comprehensive psychosocial assessment and regularly assessing the patient and family psychosocial needs on an ongoing basis. The Social Worker also provides the bereavement risk assessment of the family and counseling relative to anticipatory grief issues. Upon completion of the assessment, a psychosocial plan of care is developed with the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and the patient/family and it is the role of the Social Worker to implement and continually revise and reassess the plan relative to the psychosocial and potential bereavement issues of the patient and family. The services provided may include: supportive counseling, problem solving, community referrals, pre-bereavement counseling and support.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct initial comprehensive psychosocial and bereavement risk assessment of patient/family/caregiver in a thorough, accurate and compassionate fashion within five (5) calendar days after the patient’s election of Hospice and/or Home Health care.
• Function as a support person for the patient/family/caregiver on an ongoing basis.
• Function as an expert and facilitator at obtaining and making referrals to community resources to meet the needs of patients and families and obtaining financial assistance when indicated.
• Coordinate resources for respite care needs.
• Assist family/caregiver in placement of patient in a facility for basic care, respite or inpatient when appropriate as indicated.
• Provide psychosocial and anticipatory grief counseling to patients, families, caregivers and significant others relative to the impact/implications of the terminal disease and patient care.
• As directed and requested by the Administrator or Spiritual/Bereavement Counselor, conduct bereavement visits or contacts and/or support groups as appropriate.
• Works in concert with other IDT members; contributes positively to patient care planning.
• Provide and maintain a safe environment for the patient.
• Assist patient/family/caregiver and other team members in providing continuity of care.
• Participates in evening/weekend on-call as required, conducting on-call services in a clinically competent and responsive manner.
• Complies with local, state and federal laws, Medicare Hospice Conditions of Participation and agency policies and procedures.
• Completes and submits all paper-based or electronic service documentation according to agency policy and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Quality Assessment/Performance Improvement (QAPI)

• Participates in the performance improvement process by finding opportunities for continuous monitoring and identification of patient outcomes, intra/interdepartmental and environmental concerns.
• Participates in clinical record review and assures proper maintenance of records per agency guidelines.
• Maintains accountability for patient satisfaction throughout the episode of care.

Secondary Duties

• Participates in staff meetings, department meetings, Hospice IDT meetings, in-services, committees and other related activities as required.
• Performs speaking engagements on Hospice and provides in-service education to contractors, referral sources and other appropriate groups, as required.
• Completes a minimum of twelve (12) hours of in-services per year.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (See Attached Physical Requirements Form)

• Visual/hearing ability must be sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communication.
• Excellent verbal communication skills are needed.
• Able to effectively manage stress.
• Able to work in a variety of settings and conditions in patient’s homes and facilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Education
  • Has a Bachelors of Social Work degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 2-4 years in varied multidisciplinary settings in the health care field with sufficient experience in working with patients and families coping with terminal illness and dying.
  • Experience working with groups and families.
  • Understanding of Hospice philosophy, principles of death/dying.
  • Hospice or home care experience desired.
  • Ability to assess patient needs and formulate individualized patient care plans to meet those needs.
  • Ability to work in a field setting and exhibit ability to make sound judgments.
  • Must have effective communication, comprehension, documentation, interpersonal and computer skills.
• Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification
  • Preferably possesses a current license in social work in good standing in the State of Pennsylvania.
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation that is insured in accordance with Pennsylvania requirements.
  • Satisfactory criminal background and national sex offender checks.
  • Satisfactory references from employers and/or professional peers.

Helping Hands Home Care Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Services are provided, referrals are made, and employment actions are made without regard to race, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, color, national origin, culture practices and beliefs, ancestry, religious creed, economic status, disability (mental or physical), marital status or age.