Social Worker, Licensed - Hospice

SUMMARY
The Licensed Hospice Social Worker works as a member of the interdisciplinary team providing social services to terminally ill patients and their families, in accordance with the each patient’s plan of care, and under the direction of a physician. The Social Worker functions as one of the four core Hospice team members of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Group (IDG).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain assigned caseload by providing a complete range of Social Work Services to patients including but not limited to planning, treatment and consultation.
  • Assess the psychosocial and spiritual needs of the patient and family. Carries out social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high-risks for suicide, neglect or abuse and plans interventions based on evaluation findings.
  • Evaluate patient insurance coverage and financial status and refer to appropriate agencies for assistance.
  • Assist the patient and family in developing and implementing an appropriate plan of care, and updated as needed. Counsel’s patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties and provides crisis intervention as needed.
  • Supervise and participate in bereavement services (support to the family before and after their loved one passes away) as required.
  • Maintain and uphold the Hospice Code of Ethics. Uphold the rights of the individual hospice patient, per the Bill of Rights.
  • Be alert and aware of changes in patients (e.g., pain, discomfort) and notify nursing staff
• Provide services to other Sholom departments, including but not limited to the following:
  • Serve as an effective resource to staff, by participating in professional activities and/or through continuing in-services and education.
  • Assist in the orientation (hospice philosophy and the role of social services in hospice) and training of volunteers, staff, physicians and community members.
  • Assist in the development of support groups for family and staff and other special programs as necessary, in coordination with Bereavement Coordinator.
  • Participate in Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) as directed.
• Maintain up-to-date records and documentation on each patient in compliance with all governing bodies
  • Document all services and activities provided to patient/family in accordance with department policy and procedure.
  • Complete necessary social service observations in a timely manner.
• Establish cooperative referral relationships with other agencies and continually be aware of available community resources.
  • Develop connections with appropriate community and government resources by maintaining knowledge of other systems, making referrals and identifying unmet needs (i.e., Medicare/Medicaid, county, state and provide social service agencies). Make specific phone calls based on the individual needs of the patient.
• Assists family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal and heath care decision responsibilities.
• Supports various other Hospice responsibilities as needed.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Education, Experience and Certifications
     •    Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field required.
     •    Must possess LMSW (Licensed Master of Social Work)
     •    One or more years of clinical social work experience with individuals and families required, hospice experience preferred.
     •    CPR Certification required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
    •    Knowledge of community resources such as Medicare/Medicaid including the hospice benefit, county, state, and private social service agencies.
    •    Knowledge and experience with family systems theory, individual and family counseling, and group process.
    •    Knowledge of gerontology and an understanding of the needs of the aging.
    •    Familiar with available community resources. Able to establish cooperative referral relationships with other agencies.
    •    Able to plan, prioritize, coordinate, and manage own work. Able to work unsupervised, make decisions and solve routine problems independently,             effectively and creatively.
    •    Work as an effective and proactive team-player; understand the importance of supporting the organization, residents, customers and other                       Sholom employees.
    •    Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a variety of people and personalities inside and outside the organization. Able to effectively           handle interactions at all levels and to respond appropriately in sensitive situations.
    •    Able to display high levels of customer service, responding promptly and thoroughly to the inquiries and needs of individuals both internal and                   external to the organization in accordance with our PROUD standards.
    •    Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing to all levels of people inside and outside the organization, including possessing                  good English speaking skills, fluency and understandability.
    •    Detail-oriented, organized and applies effective time management skills in order to meet all deadlines. Able to successfully prioritize and manage             multiple tasks and numerous projects in a fast-paced environment.
   •    Able to effectively present information in one-to-one and small group situations to clients, staff and other customers.
   •    Understand and maintain confidential nature of organization and client information, including and in accordance to HIPAA regulations.
   •    Able to understand and follow facility and department safety and emergency procedures.
   •    Familiar with computers and software, including using the Internet, Microsoft Office, Outlook and other applications.


This job description does not necessarily list all the functions or accountabilities of the job. Employees may be asked by management to perform additional duties and tasks. Management reserves the right to revise and update job descriptions at any time.

Sholom is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.