Hospice Social Worker

General

Summary:

The Medical Social Worker, under the direction of a physician, and as a member of the interdisciplinary group, provides medical social services, counseling and community resourcing for hospice patients and their families.

• Makes contact with each patient and/or family within 2-5 business days of admission. Completes a comprehensive social services assessment and individualized Plan of Care for each patient/family within five calendar days of patient/family election of hospice care.
• Provides counseling services to each patient and family based on the assessed need and plan of care.
• Initiates a bereavement assessment and bereavement care plan as part of the initial comprehensive assessment.
• Initiates and participates in the delivery of the bereavement plan of care.
• Resources and acts as a liaison for the patient and family in accessing needed community services and support systems.
• Documents services provided in the medical record.
• Participates as a member of the IDG, actively coordinating all aspects of the patient’s hospice care, in accordance with current professional standards and practice, including participating ongoing interdisciplinary comprehensive assessments, developing, and evaluating the plan of care and contributing to patient and family counseling and education.
• Participates in the training and, where assigned, supervision of volunteers.
• Attends agency sponsored education / in-service training.
• Provides educational information/in-service on hospice care, social services, grief and bereavement to staff, referral sources and community groups as requested.
• Participate in Quality Assessment / Performance Improvement activities as appropriate and as requested.
• As requested, initiate the admission process with hospice program explanation to patients/families; obtain consents and election forms.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree from an accredited School of Social Work required (See Medicare Condition of Participation for Hospice, 418.114 (b) (3) for specific minimum education requirements)
• Licensure or certification per state requirement (LMSW, MSW, or LCSW)
• Two years’ experience as a medical social worker preferred.
• Knowledge of available community services/resources.

• Able to read 12-point font or larger type.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, sufficient to prepare and send documentation/reports, and in interact with clients, staff and peers.
• Must show considerable initiative, judgement, and organizational skills to work independently.
• Display advanced proficiency using all MS office applications, standard office equipment, and business technology.
• Skilled in all aspects of planning and project management.
• Familiar with Hospice philosophy and regulations as appropriate to job responsibilities.

The above is intended to describe the general content of a requirements for the performance of this job. Is it not to be constructed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

I have read the above job description. I understand and agree to carry out these responsibilities as assigned. I understand and acknowledge that nothing contained in this job description may be constructed as limiting the employer’s right to discipline or terminate my employment at any time for failure to perform satisfactorily.