Hospice Medical Social Worker MSW

About the Role

The Medical Social Worker (MSW) is responsible for implementing standards of care for medical social work services provided to hospice patients and their families. As a core member of the Interdisciplinary Group, the MSW provides psychosocial support based on the initial and ongoing assessment of needs, identified goals, interventions, and services indicated. Services are delivered in accordance with the established plan of care, utilizing professional training and judgment to monitor the psychosocial process.

Responsibilities

• Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment; communicates findings to the registered nurse and other interdisciplinary group members.
• Provides assessments in the patient’s identified residence and assists when the environment is unsafe, requiring an alternative plan.
• Conducts social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, and risks for suicide, neglect, or abuse; plans interventions based on findings.
• Counsels patients and families/caregivers on stress and other identified coping difficulties; provides crisis intervention as necessary.
• Assesses and educates the interdisciplinary group on any special cultural needs of the patient and family, including communication, family roles, traditions, or taboos.
• Educates patients and families on advanced directives and assists in their preparation.
• Participates in developing the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attends interdisciplinary group meetings to assist the team in recognizing psychosocial stresses on terminal illness symptoms.
• Assists physicians and team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.
• Helps families and patients plan for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and healthcare decision responsibilities.
• Completes, maintains, and submits accurate and relevant clinical notes regarding the patient’s condition and care provided; records changes and outcomes as appropriate.
• Communicates with physicians regarding patient needs, reports changes in condition, and obtains/receives physician orders as required.
• Coordinates with community health-related persons to ensure the care plan is followed.
• Provides information and referral services for patients and families regarding practical and environmental needs.
• Serves as a liaison between patients, families, and community agencies.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
• Develops and maintains contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patients and personnel.
• As a mandatory reporter, reports non-compliance with applicable Virginia state law and ethics to the Virginia Department of Health within 14 calendar days using required forms.
• Reports suspected abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of vulnerable adults to the Department of Social and Health Services and proper law enforcement agencies immediately when reasonable cause exists.
• Teaches patients and families coping techniques as appropriate.
• Works with the interdisciplinary group to provide and maintain a safe environment for the patient.
• Assists in ensuring continuity of care for the patient and family.
• Meets the emotional needs of patients and families in cooperation with the interdisciplinary group.
• Attends and participates in interdisciplinary group meetings.
• Participates in on-call duties as defined by the on-call policy.
• Assists and supports the RN Case Manager to ensure necessary equipment and services are available.
• Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development, maintaining and upgrading professional knowledge and skills through continuing education and in-service classes.
• Fulfills obligations of requested or accepted case assignments.
• Actively participates in quality assessment, performance improvement teams, and activities.
• Performs other duties as delegated.

Requirements

• Graduate of a Master’s program in Social Work (MSW) from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in healthcare; hospice experience preferred.
• Understanding of hospice philosophy and issues related to death and dying.
• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication, as well as organizational skills.
• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state/organization requirements and in good working order.
• Ability to engage in prolonged or considerable walking or standing.
• Visual acuity and hearing sufficient to perform required social work skills.

An offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory references, as requested, and criminal background checks by regulation.