Hospice Medical Social Worker (MSW)

About the role

As a Medical Social Worker (MSW), you will implement standards of care for medical social work services provided to hospice patients and their families. You will be a core member of the Interdisciplinary Group, offering psychosocial support based on initial and ongoing assessments of needs, identified goals, interventions, and indicated services. Your professional training and judgment will be essential in monitoring the psychosocial process.

Responsibilities

• Assess the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment; communicate findings to the registered nurse and other interdisciplinary group members.
• Provide assessments in the patient’s identified residence and assist when safety concerns require an alternative plan.
• Conduct social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, and risks for suicide, neglect, or abuse; plan interventions based on findings.
• Counsel patients and families/caregivers regarding stress and other coping difficulties; provide crisis intervention as necessary.
• Assess and educate the interdisciplinary group on any special cultural needs of the patient and family, including communication, family roles, space, traditions, or taboos.
• Educate patients and families on advanced directives and assist in their preparation.
• Participate in developing the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attend interdisciplinary group meetings to help the team recognize psychosocial stresses affecting symptoms of terminal illness.
• Assist physicians and team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.
• Help patients and families plan for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and healthcare decision responsibilities.
• Complete, maintain, and submit accurate and relevant clinical notes regarding the patient’s condition and care; record changes and outcomes as appropriate.
• Communicate with physicians regarding patient needs, report changes in condition, and obtain/receive physician orders as required.
• Coordinate care plans with community health-related persons.
• Provide information and referral services for patients and families regarding practical and environmental needs.
• Serve as a liaison between patients, families, and community agencies.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
• Develop and maintain contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patients and personnel.
• As a mandatory reporter, report failure to comply with Florida Department of Health requirements within 14 calendar days using the appropriate forms.
• Report suspected abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a vulnerable adult to the Department of Social and Health Services and law enforcement immediately when reasonable cause exists.
• Teach patients and families coping techniques as appropriate.
• Work with the interdisciplinary group to provide and maintain a safe environment for the patient.
• Assist in providing continuity of care for the patient and family.
• Work cooperatively with the family and hospice team to meet the emotional needs of the patient and family.
• Attend interdisciplinary group meetings.
• Participate in on-call duties as defined by the on-call policy.
• Support the RN Case Manager to ensure arrangements for equipment and necessary services are available.
• Assume responsibility for personal growth and development; maintain and upgrade professional knowledge and skills through continuing education and in-service classes.
• Fulfill requested and accepted case assignments.
• Actively participate in quality assessment, performance improvement teams, and activities.
• Perform other duties as delegated.

Requirements

• Master’s degree 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.
• Strong verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
• Must be a licensed driver with an insured automobile in good working order, in accordance with state and organization requirements.
• Possess and maintain CPR certification (must include hands-on skills demonstration observed by a certified trainer; no internet-only certifications).
• Prolonged or considerable walking or standing required.
• Visual acuity and hearing sufficient to perform required social work skills.
• Satisfactory references and criminal background checks are required by regulation as a condition of employment.

Benefits

• Mileage reimbursement.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short-term disability insurance.
• Accident, hospital indemnity, and chronic illness insurance.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Business cellphone provided.