Social Worker/Bereavement Coordinator

Position Specific Responsibilities

• Blended Responsibilities
• Explain hospice services and Medicare benefits; obtain required consents and documentation as requested.
• Complete and submit documentation timely, in accordance with company policy and regulatory requirements.
• Read and apply company policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines in the provision of care and services.
• Participate as a member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), contributing to development and implementation of the plan of care.
• Provide psycho-social and bereavement support to patients, families, and caregivers; engage external/community resources as appropriate.
• Develop, update, and maintain care plans reflecting current problems, goals, and interventions.
• Respect patient and family environments and belief systems; remain nondiscriminatory regarding age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or other personal matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Social Worker Responsibilities

• Conduct initial and ongoing psycho-social assessments, addressing financial resources, insurance, living arrangements, caregiver stressors, anticipatory grief, and community resource needs.
• Facilitate long-term care placement when needed and participate in care planning meetings at facilities.
• Support and guide advance care planning, including living wills, POA documentation, funeral arrangements, memorial services, and body/organ donation.
• Supervise social work practicum students as applicable.

Bereavement Coordinator Responsibilities

• Promote and assess bereavement risk factors at admission and throughout patient care; develop and implement bereavement care plans after the patient’s death.
• Provide or coordinate grief counseling, support groups, memorial services, and community education related to bereavement.
• Identify and support the bereavement needs of non-family caregivers, including staff and residents at facilities.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to integrate volunteer support into bereavement activities.
• Maintain a library of bereavement resources and provide materials to patients, families, and caregivers as appropriate.
• Prepare reports, in-services, and other documentation to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of the bereavement program.
• Attend and participate in community events and public outreach promoting bereavement support services.