Address
Form of workMedical Social Worker
Summary of responsibilities:
The Medical Social Worker is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services. They assure a variety of social work interventions to hospice patients, families and care givers is provided in conjunction with other members of the interdisciplinary team. They assure the psychosocial, financial and bereavement concerns are addressed in each patient/family care situation.
Reports to: Director of Support Services
RESPONSIBILITIES & FUNCTIONS:
Patient Care
- Provide psychosocial assessment on patients entering the hospice program
- Address any financial concerns from the patient or family member(s)
- Define patient/family issues and concerns based on total team assessment and the psychosocial care plan, and develop interventions when appropriate
- Identify and coordinate community resources on behalf of patients/families
- Serve as liaison between patients/families/caregivers and community agencies
- Interpret hospice and insurance reimbursements policies to patient/families and other agencies as necessary
- Participate in discharge planning as needed.
- Assist patient/family/caregiver with securing durable power of attorney and with funeral arrangements, as needed
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to develop and review care plans
- Collaborate with other team members for the patient/family benefit
- Provide appropriate documentation in clinical record for services rendered
- Assist physicians and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues
- Develop written material specific to area of expertise and responsibility for use by team to benefit hospice patients and the community at large
General Duties
- Participate in peer review and quality assurance procedures as appropriate
- Participate in hospice training and in-service programs as requested
- Participate in annual self-appraisal and development plan
- Speak with community and professional groups on behalf of hospice
- Maintains the confidentiality of employee, patient/client and agency information at all times
- Accepts and performs other related duties and responsibilities as required
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree and current license of eligibility at Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) level
- 4-5 years education and/or clinical experience in a health care setting and/or in family dynamics
- 2-3 years experience in a palliative care setting, preferred
- 2-3 years experience in communicating orally and in writing about patient care standards and care with patients and family members
Additional Qualifications:
- Complete hospice orientation
- Agree with the hospice concept of care
- Be flexible and able to work on several projects simultaneously
- Be able to work harmoniously with diverse individuals and groups
- Advances knowledge and skills; attends in-services and workshops as appropriate
- An ability to cope with the stress of continual loss
Physical Qualifications:
- Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing with individuals and families in end-of-life situations
- Must be able to use a computer and other office equipment to document patient information
- Must be able to hear to process directions and requests from doctors, employees, patients, and other individuals
- Must be able to drive to visit patients’ homes for social work visits and patient care
Work Schedule:
- Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
FLSA Status:
This position is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act
