Hospice Social Worker (Seacoast)

Position Summary

The Hospice Social Worker at Compassus is responsible for providing psychosocial support and counseling services to patients and their families, promoting the Hospice philosophy, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Explains hospice services and Medicare benefits to patients and families; obtains Informed Consent and Election of Benefits documents as requested.
• Sends 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 Interdisciplinary Team (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.
• Maintains updated, comprehensive care plans which reflect current problems, goals and interventions for patients.
• Maintains 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/placement for long-term care, caregiver stressors, pre-bereavement and anticipatory grief, and community resource needs.
• Facilitates placement in long-term care as warranted 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

• 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.
• 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.
• One (1) year of social work experience in a healthcare setting with Bachelors Degree.

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.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regular standing, walking, and manual dexterity are fundamental, along with the ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
• Visual acuity requirements include close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• In a healthcare setting, exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and conditions typical to the field is expected.
• Routine use of standard medical equipment and tools associated with clinical care is essential.