Counselor - Social Worker

Qualification Requirements

• 1 year of social work experience preferably in a health-related facility and a Master’s degree in social work from a school of social work accredited by the Council of Social Work Education; OR, has a Bachelor’s degree in social work from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work and 2 years of social work experience in a health-related facility.
• Currently licensed as a social worker in Ohio; must be able to obtain certification/registration as a social worker in the state of Michigan.
• Has working experience charting in an EMR system, Netsmart system preferred.
• Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills; possesses strong interviewing and listening skills.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of local and state human service agencies.
• Demonstrates strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Has the ability to work independently and within an interdisciplinary team.
• Understands the hospice philosophy and principles of death/dying.
• Understands palliative care and how it is beneficial with people suffering from a serious illness.
• Understands the difference between palliative care and hospice care in order to identify when a patient/family would benefit from either service.
• Possesses a valid driver’s license with an automobile in good working order that is insured according to agency requirements (homecare).

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Performs comprehensive initial and ongoing psychosocial assessments on referred patients/families including mental health status, sexuality, spirituality, risks and methods of coping. Works with diverse cultures, life styles, children and adolescents; works with acute and chronic mental illness and substance abuse.
• Provides effective counseling approaches and processes for patients and families, including therapeutic and supportive interventions, patient/family life education, life review, and crisis and/or suicide prevention when indicated.
• Utilizes the principles of case management in delivering effective services for a caseload of palliative care patients and families.
• Assesses and refers for ongoing bereavement services.
• Assists the palliative care team and/or directly facilitates patient-family meetings for goal setting and care planning.
• Facilitates family support groups as needed.
• Identifies symptoms of depression, family coping, and spiritual needs.
• Teams with the nurse navigator to provide liaison function between the palliative care team and community partners such as home care agencies, long-term care facilities, and other community services as needed.
• Maintains infection control practices as related to patient care activities.
• Maintains the standards of Social Work in accordance with the principles set forth by the Ohio State Health Departments, NASW, Joint Commission, NHO, OHO and agency policies and procedures.
• Maintains productivity standards defined by the agency.
• Participates in palliative care quality improvement initiatives, orientation, professional student education, and other activities as assigned.
• Participates in in-services or other continuing education to meet own needs and agency requirements.
• Responsible to learn and utilize technology made available by the agency to increase efficiency, communication and performance of duties.
• Attends staff meetings and completes all mandatory training.
• Holds in strictest confidence all patient information and discloses information and data only to persons authorized by Hospice.

Social Workers may have exposure to infectious diseases. This position will require driving to patient homes and facilities in various weather conditions and will be subject to day and/or night-time travel.