Social Worker, Hospice Palliative Community Services

Detailed Overview

As an integral member of the community consultation team, provides social work assessment and treatment services for clients of Hospice Palliative Community Services for an assigned area. Liaises with community hospice agencies, hospitals, home health units, and other caregiver support groups; participates in educational services, planning, program development and policy recommendations and provides clinical support from a social work perspective to the interdisciplinary team in the development of services within the assigned area of responsibility.

Responsibilities Provides comprehensive therapeutic and clinical counseling services including grief and bereavement services to clients registered with the Hospice Palliative Care Program for an assigned area and to families experiencing complicated circumstances relating to the illness or with end-of-life issue. Conducts social and psychosocial assessments of clients and families and interprets the information using a variety of modalities in accordance with professional standards and evidence-based clinical practice.

Follows up and provides ongoing monitoring of psychosocial situations; evaluates client's response to interventions; supports hospice palliative care clients through the continuum of care across hospital and community. Acts as a member of the interdisciplinary care team by providing information regarding client's psychosocial situation and collaborating with colleagues, client and caregivers to develop a comprehensive plan of care. Acts as a resource for clients and their families by providing information regarding community resources and access to these resources, facilitating referrals where appropriate and facilitating the development of community resources by identifying services needed to support the health of families.

Participates in quality improvement activities by providing input into the development, implementation and evaluation of program goals, objectives, policies and procedures. Promotes client/family autonomy by ensuring their participation in planning and decision-making and the development of problem solving abilities. Assists in the development and provision of relevant educational programs for staff, clients, their families and community agencies regarding psychosocial issues related to illness and disability, grieving and loss.

Completes required reports, records and workload statistics. Maintains files and records in accordance with program standards and procedures. Sets measurable performance goals and objectives by maintaining and updating own knowledge of clinical expertise within area of practice, developing professional development plans in collaboration with the Manager ensuring goal and objective plans are achievable. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications

Education and Experience Master's degree in Social Work from an approved School of Social Work. Two years' recent, related clinical experience working with palliative clients, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Current full registration with the BC College of Social Workers and a valid BC Driver's license and access to personal vehicle for business-related purposes.

Skills and Abilities

Knowledge and understanding of counseling skills and clinical practice models as it relates to individuals, families, groups and palliative care. Demonstrated ability to conduct social and psychosocial assessments. Ability to work effectively with others including working effectively in a multicultural environment. Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team. Demonstrated understanding of the scope of practice of other health care disciplines.

Ability to make effective referrals, reflecting in-depth knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with other community services. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to develop and maintain rapport with others. Ability to effectively manage workload in an environment with constantly changing priorities. Demonstrated ability to problem solve and…