Hospice Social Worker

Position Specific Responsibilities

• Explains hospice services and Medicare benefits to patients and families; obtains Informed Consent and Election of Benefits documents as requested.
• SUBMIT APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION AND PAPERWORK TO FACILITIES AT THE COMPLETION OF PATIENT VISITS; DOCUMENTATION IS COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED TIMELY ACCORDING TO COMPANY POLICY.
• Participates as a member of the IDT, including development and implementation of the plan of care.
• Provides psycho-social support and counseling services to the patient and family; supports the involvement of external counseling resources commensurate with patient/family needs and scope of practice.
• Affords assistance in identifying the need for intervention of other IDT members.
• EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATES PATIENT AND FAMILY NEEDS TO IDT.
• COLLABORATES WITH IDT TO COORDINATE PSYCHO-SOCIAL CARE AND SUPPORT FOR THE PATIENT AND FAMILY TO ENSURE APPROPRIATENESS, CONTINUITY, AND QUALITY OF CARE.
• MANTAINS UPDATED, COMPREHENSIVE CARE PLANS WHICH REFLECT CURRENT PROBLEMS, GOALS AND INTERVENTIONS FOR PATIENTS.
• MANTAINS RESPECT FOR THE FAMILY'S ENVIRONMENT AND BELIEF SYSTEMS, AND REMAINS NONDISCRIMINATORY REGARDING AGE, RACE, RELIGION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY, AND OTHER PERSONAL MATTERS.
• COMPLETES INITIAL AND ONGOING PSYCHO-SOCIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR PATIENTS; IDENTIFIES AND ADDRESSES CONCERNS/ISSUES RELATED TO FINANCIAL MEANS, INSURANCE, LIVING ARRANGEMENTS/PALACEMENT FOR LONG-TERM CARE, CAREGIVER STRESSORS, PRE-BEREAVEMENT AND ANTICIPATORY GRIEF, AND COMMUNITY RESOURCE NEEDS.
• FACTORIES PLACEMENT IN LONG-TERM CARE AS WORTHY AND MONITORS ADJUSTMENT.
• SUPPORTS AND FACILITATES ADVANCE PLANNING INCLUDING LIVING WILL/POA DOCUMENTS, FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS, MEMORIAL SERVICES, AND BODY/Organ DONATION.
• PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.

Education And/or Experience Required

• Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or other field related to social work with one (1) year of social work experience in a healthcare setting required; and licensure if required by state rules.
• One (1) year of social work experience in a healthcare setting with Bachelors Degree.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Social Work with one (1) year of social work experience in a healthcare setting highly preferred; and licensure if required by state rules.

Skills

• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from leaders, team members, investors, and external parties.
• Strong written and verbal communications.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English.
• Articulates and embraces hospice philosophy.

State Specific Requirements

• Virginia: If independent counseling for clinical social work needed, LCSW required.