Licensed Medical Social Worker - PRN

About the role

The social worker implements standards of care for medical social work services and adheres to all conditions in the Service or Employment Agreement, providing care based on the Social Work Practice Act. The position serves the San Antonio area and surrounding communities.

Responsibilities

• Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment and communicates findings to the registered nurse and other members of the interdisciplinary group.
• Provides an assessment in the patient's identified residence and assistance when this is not safe and another plan is required.
• Completes social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high risks for suicide, neglect or abuse and plans intervention based on evaluation findings.
• Counsels patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties.
• Provides crisis intervention when deemed necessary.
• Assesses for, and educates the interdisciplinary group, on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family, including communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos.
• Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work, and prepares clinical and progress notes.
• Educates patients and families on, and assists in, preparation of advanced directives.
• Provides information and referral services for organizational patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.
• Provides information to patients and families/caregivers as well as community agencies.
• Serves as a liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community based organizations.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
• Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel.
• Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the team in recognizing the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness.
• Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.
• Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities upon request.
• Assists family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities.
• Other duties as delegated by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a bachelor's program in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Minimum of one year experience in health care; hospice experience preferred.
• Understanding of hospice philosophy and issues of death/dying.
• Current CPR certification required.
• Licensed driver with an insured automobile in good working order; driving required throughout hours worked.
• Excellent observation, verbal and written communication, problem‑solving, and basic math skills.
• Ability to withstand prolonged or considerable walking or standing.
• Ability to lift, position, and/or transfer patients, as well as lift supplies and equipment.
• Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and/or crouching required.
• Compliance with accepted professional standards and practice.
• Ability to work independently, make judgments based on assessments and data, and act accordingly.
• Flexible, innovative, with good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to cope with mental and emotional stress and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Tolerance for exposure to odors, blood, body fluids and excrement, adverse environmental conditions, and hazardous materials.
• Ability to work as a member of the interdisciplinary group.
• Ability to accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values.
• Knowledge of and commitment to hospice philosophy of care.