Medical Social Worker- Hospice

PeaceHealth is seeking a Medical Social Worker for a part-time, 0.80 FTE, day position based in Bellingham, WA. The salary range for this role is $38.22 – $57.34 per hour, with the hiring rate dependent on factors such as education, training, work experience, and applicable collective bargaining agreements. A hiring bonus may be available.

Bellingham, WA offers a blend of outdoor recreation, urban living, strong schools, and cultural amenities. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and coastline, the area provides opportunities for hiking, water activities, snow sports, and scenic drives. The city is home to Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, and Bellingham Technical College, fostering a vibrant arts and music scene.

About the Role

Responsible for providing direct social work services in Home Health and/or Hospice, utilizing the professional healthcare process of assessment, problem identification/planning, action/intervention, and clinical goal/outcome evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct casework services to clients related to their medical/psychiatric diagnosis, including biopsychosocial assessment, long-term planning, crisis intervention, and short-term therapy.
• Perform holistic evaluation of patient/home, develop an appropriate plan of care, initiate discharge planning, evaluate progress toward goals, and monitor achievement of desired outcomes.
• Deliver skilled social work services and education to patients and caregivers according to the home care/hospice plan of treatment.
• Coordinate and modify the plan of care with the patient, caregiver, case manager, primary physician, and interdisciplinary healthcare team as clinically indicated.
• Assess the patient/home environment for holistic healthcare/social needs and make referrals to other services, agencies, and community resources in collaboration with the case manager and primary physician.
• Coordinate social work services and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure smooth care flow for the patient.
• Regularly evaluate, review, and revise the patient’s social work plan of care, taking prompt action in response to changes in the patient’s health condition.
• Evaluate interventions and outcomes of social work services as part of ongoing discharge planning and care coordination.
• Provide services to adult and, when applicable, pediatric populations while adhering to universal infection control precautions, including individuals with communicable diseases.
• Document skilled and timely clinical notes in compliance with regulatory, quality, and agency guidelines.
• Perform quality/outcome-oriented home visits and other duties according to agency productivity standards.
• Proactively participate in interdisciplinary case conferences, meetings, education, and in-service programs.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited school of Social Work (Required).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a healthcare setting (Preferred).
• One of the following Washington state licenses (Required):
  • Social Worker Advanced License
  • Social Worker Associate Advanced License
  • Social Worker Associate Independent Clinical License
  • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (exceeds minimum requirement)
• Basic Life Support certification (Required).
• Valid Driver’s License and auto insurance (Required).

Skills

• Collaborative and cooperative working and communication skills (Required).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (Required).
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of patients and caregivers (Required).
• Strong organizational skills (Required).
• Flexibility and ability to function independently (Required).
• Knowledge of community health, welfare, and social agencies (Preferred).
• Ability to apply age-specific principles of growth and development to meet patient needs (Preferred).

Working Conditions

• OSHA Category II: Normal work involves no exposure to bloodborne pathogens, but occasional exposure may occur.
• Physical demands:
  • Ability to move around the work area with occasional sitting.
  • Occasional bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
  • Occasionally lift/carry up to 5 lbs.
• Environmental conditions:
  • Exposure to biohazards, body fluids, and airborne particles.
  • Time spent in medical/hospital settings or office environments.
• Mental/Visual demands:
  • Vision and hearing required within normal limits (glasses, contacts, hearing aids permitted).
  • Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information.

Benefits

PeaceHealth offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including:

• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 403b retirement plan with employer base and matching contributions.
• Paid time off.
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance with optional buy-up coverage.
• Tuition and continuing education reimbursement.
• Wellness benefits and an expanded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health.