Hospice Medical Social Worker

About the role

The Medical Social Worker, Hospice at Beaumont Hospice works in the Detroit, River Rouge, Hamtramck, and surrounding areas. They are responsible for implementing standards of care for medical social work services and adhering to all conditions in the Service or Employment Agreement.

Responsibilities

• Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment.
• Provides an assessment in the patient’s identified residence and assistance when this is not safe, and another plan is required.
• Carry out social evaluations and plans intervention based on evaluation findings.
• Counsels patients and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties.
• 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.
• Serves as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.
• Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel.
• Participates in the development of the plan of care and attends case conferences weekly.
• Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.
• Assists patient and family/caregiver with securing durable power of attorney and with funeral arrangements, as needed.
• Other duties as delegated by the Hospice Administrator.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Licensed Social Worker with current license in the state of employment.
• Master of Social Work preferred.
• Minimum of one year's experience in health care, hospice experience preferred.
• Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying.
• Ability to create positive impressions and communicate with a variety of people.
• Maintain effective communication with patients, families, physicians and co-workers.
• Ability to remain calm, have patience and be accommodating.
• Caring and compassionate while working with patients.
• Knowledgeable on social work best practices.
• Ability to make appropriate judgments.
• Ability to identify a situation and handle it with the best possible solution.
• Detail-oriented and observant.
• Disciplined style of work ethic.
• Ability to prioritize and be timely.
• Works efficiently.
• Ability to follow directions and work as a team member.
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance in own name.

Management Responsibility

N/A

Health Qualifications

• Must be able to meet all physical position requirements.
• Evidence required of a current negative tuberculin skin test or x-ray or receive TB testing at the date of orientation. An annual tuberculin skin test is required, unless the employee has documentation of a previous TB test.
• Employee must be free of physical/medical conditions, which would limit or restrict their ability to perform the job functions listed below.
• Physical Demands: Constantly (66%-100%): Reading, Speaking, Writing English Communications Skills Computer/PDA Usage Hand/finger dexterity Hearing/Seeing Talking in person Hearing in person Vision for close work Frequently (34%-66%): Walking Sitting Talking on the phone Hearing on the phone Occasionally (2%-33%): Driving Bending Standing Stretching/Reaching Climbing Stooping (bend at waist) Rarely (1% or less): Lifting up to 50 lbs. with or without assistance