Hospice Social Worker

The Social Worker is responsible for providing social work services to patients and families and to assure adequate and timely coverage of patients. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's medical condition 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, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, risk for suicide, neglect or abuse and plans intervention based on evaluation findings.
• Counsels patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties. Provides crisis intervention when necessary.
• Assesses for, and educates interdisciplinary groups, on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family. Includes communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos.
• Provides direct counseling services to relieve acute situations.
• 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 contacts with public and private agencies as resources for patients and personnel.
• Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family. Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems.
• Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Participates in in-service education programs as directed.
• Participates in discharge planning
• Performs Other duties as delegated by the Clinical Supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related major, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Competency in working with culturally sensitive support to people from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• A least one year in a health care setting is required preferably a hospice
• Valid LMSW or LCSW license
• Driver’s License, Car Insurance, Car Registration
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups.
• Experience and competency to work in the home or facility setting.
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks, be flexible and prioritize workload.
• Must be highly organized.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, and handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.