Part Time Hospice Social Worker

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 which include providing care based on the Social Work Practice Act.

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.
• Carrries out 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 necessary.
• Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work prepares clinical and progress notes.
• Provides information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.
• Serves as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.
• 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.
• Assists family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities.

Qualifications

• A 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) years’ experience in health care, hospice experience preferred. Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying.
• Experience in a hospice care preferred.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
• Must be licensed with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is in good working order.