Counselor - Social Worker

Qualification Requirements

• Has a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; OR, has a Bachelor’s degree in social work from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work and 1 year 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.
• 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.
• Possesses a valid driver’s license with an automobile in good working order that is insured according to agency requirements.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Performs comprehensive initial and ongoing psychosocial assessments on referred patients/families including mental health status, sexuality, spirituality, risk and methods of coping.
• Assesses patient/family members for risk related to abuse/neglect and suicide and those with active or past substance abuse.
• Provides effective counseling approaches and processes for patients and families, including therapeutic and supportive interventions, patient/family life education, life review, crisis intervention and suicide prevention when indicated.
• Actively participates in the development and implementation of the Plan of Care, including patients and families with the most complex psychosocial needs.
• Utilizes the principles of case management in delivering effective services for a caseload of hospice patients and families.
• Conducts reassessments of patient/family needs and counseling as prescribed in the Interdisciplinary Team Plan of Care.
• Assesses and refers for ongoing bereavement services.
• Responsible for end-of-life care planning including knowledge of DPOA, living wills, provision of care for dependents, assessing decision capacity, and funeral planning.
• Facilitates family support groups as needed.
• Actively contributes psychosocial information at the Interdisciplinary Team meeting and interacts with other team members in a professional manner.
• Develops and maintains contact with appropriate community agencies and services in order to promote interagency cooperation and to facilitate related referrals.
• Responsible for discharge planning as prescribed in the Interdisciplinary Team Plan of Care.
• Documents comprehensive assessments, appropriate goals, interventions provided, and patient/family response to those interventions (obtained through direct patient/family contacts, telephone contacts and referrals) clearly and concisely for the patient medical record. Meets agency standards for clinical documentation.
• 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.
• Works with diverse cultures, life styles, children and adolescents, and acute and chronic mental illness, and substance abuse.
• Participates in the QAPI program, 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Social Workers may have exposure to infectious diseases.  This position will require driving to facilities in various weather conditions, as well as day and/or night-time travel.