Medical Social Worker - East Bay, CA

About the role

The social worker contracted or employed through the organization is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services and for adherence to all conditions in the Service or Employment Agreement, including providing care based on the Social Work Practice Act.

Responsibilities

• Assess the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment and communicate findings to the registered nurse and other members of the interdisciplinary group.
• Provide an assessment in the patient's identified residence and assistance when this is not safe and another plan is required.
• Carry out social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high-risks for suicide, neglect or abuse, and plan intervention based on evaluation findings.
• Counsel patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress and other identified coping difficulties.
• Provide crisis intervention when necessary.
• Assess for and educate 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.
• Maintain clinical records on all patients referred to social work and prepare clinical and progress notes.
• Educate patients and families on and assist in preparation of advanced directives.
• Provide information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.
• Provide information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies and serve as liaison between them.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
• Maintain and develop contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel.
• Participate in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attend regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the team in recognizing the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness.
• Assist physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.
• Actively participate in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Assist family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as delegated by the Clinical Supervisor.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a bachelor’s program in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Meets personnel qualifications stated in 418.114(b)(3).
• Minimum of one (1) year's experience in health care; hospice experience preferred.
• Understands hospice philosophy and issues of death/dying.
• Experience in a hospice care setting preferred.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication and organization skills.
• Possesses and maintains current CPR Certification.
• Must be licensed with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is in good working order.