Hospice Medical Social Worker

Responsibilities

• Accountability: MSW assessment demonstrates that the psychological, emotional, and social needs related to the patient's health care issues are addressed.
• Consistently uses MSW assessment skills, (e.g., interviewing techniques, active listening, observations of environmental issues) to identify and assess the psychological, emotional, and social factors affecting the outcome of patient's health care issues.
• Involves the patient and family as participants in establishing goals and treatment plan.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and abides by patient Rights and Responsibilities.
• Participates in Quality Assessment Quality Improvement Program (QAPI) as assigned.
• A repertoire of professional theories and skills (e.g., community dynamics, group dynamics, ego psychology, behavior modification, family systems, counseling etc.) is used to promote the desired outcomes in patient/families goals.
• Maintains high standards of professional practice by adhering to the ethics of the profession and keeping abreast of the latest evidence based practices and professional advances.
• Consistently and appropriately draws from and uses a variety of skills and interventions during the course of hospice care.
• Assists with inservice education to agency staff through formal and informal sessions.
• Attends conferences, inservices and meetings as indicated.
• A coordinated interdisciplinary team approach to care is facilitated in order to ensure a comprehensive plan of treatment to promote the desired outcome for patient’s/family’s goals.
• Absorbs the significant social and emotional factors related to the patient’s individualized hospice plan of care.
• Assists the physician, other members of the interdisciplinary team, patient and family in understanding the significant social and emotional factors related to the patient’s individualized hospice plan of care.
• Participates in the development of the hospice plan of care and discharge planning as necessary.
• Consistently uses MSW training and skills (communication, group dynamics and process, team interaction) to develop and implement a coordinated plan of care.
• MSW's assessment and clinical interventions demonstrates knowledge of the interplay between various medical diagnosis/health care issues and psychosocial factors.
• Absesses the social and emotional factors in order to estimate the family’s capacity and potential to cope with problems of daily living with a terminally ill family member.
• Helps the family understand, accept and follow medical recommendations and provides services planned to attain optimal social and health adjustment.
• Aids patient and their families with personal and environmental difficulties, which predispose toward illness or interfere with obtaining optimal quality of life and comfort.
• External community forces (economics, political issues, community needs, etc.), which affect the delivery of hospice services and desired patient outcomes, are appropriately identified and addressed.
• Utilizes resources, such as family and community agencies, to assist the family in the community.

Qualifications

• Education / Experience: Masters degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. One year of satisfactory social work experience in a medical/ health setting. Hospice experience preferred.
• Skill Requirements: Broad knowledge of the principles of social work and the ability to apply them. Ability to work effectively with professional and allied personnel as well as with related services and agencies.
• Licensure Certification / Licensure: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA, working toward LCSW) required; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred.
• CPR certification and valid driver's license.