The Hospice Social Worker is responsible for theย implementation of standards of care for medical social work services and forย adherence to all conditionsIn the Service or Employment Agreement which includeย providing care based on the Social Work Practice Act.
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions:
Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related toย the patient's terminal illness and environment and communicates findings toย the registered nurse and other members of the interdisciplinary group.ย Provides an assessment in the patient's identified residence and assistanceย when this is not safe and another plan is required.
Carries out social evaluation, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities,ย communication patterns, high-risk for suicide, neglect or abuse.
Assess for, and educates interdisciplinary group, on any special needs relatedย to the culture of the patient and family.
Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work
Educates patients and families on and assists with advancedย directives
Provides Information to patients and families/caregivers on communityย agencies.
Serves as liaison between patients, families/caregivers and communityย agencies.
Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel toย support patient care.
Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care,ย involving the patient and family, and attends regularly scheduledย interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the team in recognizingย the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of theย terminal illness.
Assists physician and other team members in understanding significantย social and emotion- al factors related to health problems andย 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 healthย care decision responsibilities.
Work Environment/Physical Requirements
The employee must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is in good working order and insured inย accordance with the organization requirements. The employee may experience a change in workย conditions related to weather issues, traveling in rain, snow, etc., and must be able to adapt to the workย environment to meet patient care needs.
Required Education and Experience
Graduate of a Bachelor's or Master's program in social work accredited by theย Council on Social Work Education. Meets personnel qualifications stated inย 418.114(b)(3).
Minimum of one (1) years' experience in health care (hospice experience preferred)
Experience working with death and dying, individuals/families/caregivers.
Preferred Education and Experience
Ability to work as member of interdisciplinary group.
Comfort in an interfaith setting
Ability to accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values.
Ability to network with community clergy and congregations.
Knowledge of and commitment to hospice philosophy of care