Hospice Social Worker

JOB SUMMARY:

The Social Worker is partners with the Luminary clinical team and 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.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

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.

Provides an assessment in the patient's identified residence and assistance when this is not safe, and another plan is required.

Carries 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.

Assesses for, and educates interdisciplinary group, on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family.

Includes communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos.

Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work.

Educates patients and families on, and assists in, preparation of advanced directives.

Provides information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.

Provides information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.

Participates in grief and caregiver support as assigned.

Serves as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.

Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.

Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel.

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.

Perform other job duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in social work or related fields, required. Master of Social Work (MSW), preferred. Must hold an active licensed social worker (LSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). At least 1-3 years of experience in healthcare management, hospice, or palliative care and/or training in end-of-life care, preferred. Maintain an active CPR certification. This role requires reliable transportation and an active driver's license in good standing; this role is required to travel to patient homes 75% of time. Knowledge hospice care and the services provided to patient and family/caregiver through an interdisciplinary group. Proficient in MS Office applications and ability to learn department and job-specific software systems. Demonstrate organizational skills. Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrate analytical skills when problem-solving. Demonstrate high attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
CORE COMPETENCIES:

Communication: Demonstrate knowledge to reply and receive information to and from others.

Customer Service: Works with customers to assess their needs in an effort to meet/exceed requirements and expectations

Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates knowledge on how to manage oneself and how to interact successfully with others.

Time Management: Demonstrate ability to manage your time productively and efficiently.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.