PRN HOSPICE SOCIAL WORKER

Qualifications

• At least one of the following:
  • An MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited school of social work, plus one year of experience in a health care setting.
  • A BSW from a CSWE-accredited school of social work, plus one year of experience in a health care setting and supervision by a MSW with one year of experience in a health care setting.
  • A BSW from a non-CSWE-accredited school of social work, plus one year of experience in a health care setting and supervision by a MSW with one year of experience in a health care setting.
• Hospice must employ or contract with at least one MSW to serve in the supervisor role.
• Supervision may occur in person, over the telephone, through electronic communication or any combination thereof.
• Hospice will allow time for supervision to happen on a regular basis and provide documentation as to the nature and scope of supervision.
• Baccalaureate Social Workers hired before December 2, 2008, are exempt from the MSW supervision requirement.
• New Baccalaureate Social Workers hired after December 2, 2008, must be supervised by an MSW with one year of experience in a health care setting.

Knowledge/Skills/Ability

• Ability to work independently, make accurate, and at times, quick judgments.
• Ability to respond appropriately to crisis outside of a hospital setting.
• Acceptance of and adaptability to different social, racial, cultural and religious modes.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience as a social worker, preferred.
• Active patient contact within past three years, preferred.

JOB FACTORS

• Physical Requirements: Requires minimal physical effort most of the day including kneeling, squatting, reaching, twisting, climbing, walking, exposure to temperature and humidity changes and minimal assist in lifting and/or transferring of a 100 pound patient.
• Mental Requirements: Must be able to work independently, make judgments based on assessments and data available and act accordingly. Must be flexible, innovative and possess good interpersonal skills. Must be able to cope with mental and emotional stress and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Working Conditions: Be able to tolerate exposure to elements including, but not limited to, odors, blood, body fluids and excrements, adverse environmental conditions and hazardous materials.
• Transportation: Must have a current valid driver’s license, auto liability insurance and reliable transportation.

Essential Functions

• Performs initial psychosocial, emotional, spiritual and bereavement assessments and assists in the development and implementation of goal-directed IDG care plan.
• Conducts ongoing reassessments of patient/family needs and counseling as required.
• Provides short term crisis intervention and individual or family counseling when indicated.
• Provides services, under the direction of a physician (who approves plan of care).
• Participates as a member of the Bereavement Team as assigned.
• Observes, assesses and brings to IDG conferences information regarding psychosocial, emotional, spiritual, physical and financial conditions affecting the patient and family.
• Assumes the active role of advocate for the patient/family unit.
• Develops and maintains contact with appropriate community agencies and services in order to promote interagency cooperation and to facilitate related referrals.
• Documents comprehensive psychosocial, emotional and spiritual assessment clearly and concisely in a timely manner.
• All patient/family visits, telephone contacts and referral actions are recorded in the patient record per policy.
• Provides ongoing counseling related to issues of death and dying to the patient and family as needed.
• Attends staff meetings, IDG and other meetings as assigned and appropriate.
• Participates in the orientation program as assigned.
• Adheres to all Hospice policies.
• Assumes responsibility for own personal and professional development and maintenance of skills in social work.
• Exhibits Hospice philosophy in all job related roles.
• Other duties as assigned by Director/Manager of Patient Services.