Hospice Social Worker

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; communicates findings to the Registered Nurse and interdisciplinary care team.
• Provides assessments in the patient's identified residence and assists when the residence is unsafe or another plan is required.
• Conducts social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, suicide risk, neglect, or abuse; plans interventions based on findings.
• Counsels patients and families/caregivers regarding stress and other identified coping difficulties; provides crisis intervention as necessary.
• Assesses cultural needs of patients and families, educates the interdisciplinary care team on cultural considerations (e.g., communication, family roles, traditions).
• Works under the supervision of a Master Social Worker (MSW) and maintains clinical records for all patients referred to social work.
• Educates patients and families on advanced directives and assists in their preparation.
• Provides information and referral services for practical and environmental needs; serves as a liaison to community agencies.
• Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patients and personnel.
• Participates in developing individualized plans of care, involving the patient and family; attends interdisciplinary group meetings to address psychosocial stresses impacting symptoms of terminal illness.
• Assists physicians and team members in understanding social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.
• Supports Bereavement leadership in maintaining a 13-month post-death program for families/caregivers to ensure compliance with state, federal, and CHAP regulatory requirements.
• Ensures timely completion or assignment of the initial bereavement assessment.
• Assists the Chaplain with condolence calls to bereaved families as needed.
• Helps maintain, organize, and update the bereavement support group schedule.
• Assists patients and families in planning funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and healthcare decision responsibilities.
• Maintains compliance with all HIPAA regulations; treats patient information confidentially and uses protected health information on a minimum necessary basis.
• Attends interdisciplinary group meetings and assumes responsibility for personal growth and development.
• Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge through continuing education and in-service classes.
• Actively participates in quality assessment and performance improvement teams and activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; Master's degree in social work preferred.
• Licensed in the state of practice.
• Minimum of one year of social work experience in a healthcare setting; hospice experience preferred.
• Understands hospice philosophy and issues of death/dying.
• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
• Current CPR Certification.
• Ability to pass a DHS background study.
• If driving: Valid state driver’s license, insured automobile in good working order, and acceptable driving record.

Benefits

• Two medical plan choices.
• Dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
• Customized Mental Health Support Program.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401k Retirement Plan with up to 4% employer matching.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Company-paid basic life insurance, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability.