Licensed Master Degree Social Worker

This position is responsible for the development and delivery of social work service, to promote access to funding mechanisms for patients in need of care, and to promote interdisciplinary collaboration for the support of emotional and social well-being of patients and families.

• Performs patient and family assessment, along with the initial bereavement assessment within five (5) days of admission to hospice.  Collaborates with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to formulate the Plan of Care (POC). 
• Discusses the POC with the admitting RN on the day of admission for new patients.
• When requested by the patient/family conducts regular social work visits and documents visit. 
• Evaluates insurance coverage on patients and assists patient/family with obtaining Medicaid or other insurance coverage when the patient does not have a payer source.
• Participates in the IDT Meeting and updates the POC at least every 14 days.
• Responsible for facilitating discharge and transfer of patients to other healthcare providers when hospice care is no longer requested or appropriate and completing appropriate paperwork.
• Participates in the Performance Improvement Process as requested by the Administrator and/or the Patient Care Coordinator.
• Identifies psychosocial problems and establishes goals that  are pertinent, personalized, and measurable as evidenced by documentation.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the Hospice Medicare and Medicaid Benefit and is able to convey knowledge to patients and families. 
• Conducts after death bereavement assessment. 
• Explains Advanced Directives to Patients/Families and communicates and documents patient decisions to the patient’s attending physician.
• May be asked to assist with in-services to vendors.
• Assists patient/family with making funeral arrangements, if requested.
• Knowledgeable of federal, state and local resources for patients, when appropriate, and assists patients/families in obtaining these resources.
• Willing and able to accurately utilize any automated device required to document in the electronic medical record.
• Communicates with physicians regarding changes in patient's condition and documents interventions.
• Must be willing and available to make after hours visits (i.e. on weekday evenings and/or weekend) when needed for a patient’s admission, death or funeral, etc.