Social Worker

Job Description Summary 

The social worker contracted or employed through the organization is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services and for adherence to all conditions in the Service or Employment Agreement which include providing care based on the Social Work Practice Act. 

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities 

• Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment and communicates findings to the registered nurse and other members of the interdisciplinary group.  Provides an assessment in the patient's identified residence and assistance when this is not safe and another plan is required. 
•  Completes social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high risks for suicide, neglect or abuse and plans intervention based on evaluation findings.  Counsels patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties.  Provides crisis intervention when deemed necessary. 
•  Assesses for, and educates interdisciplinary group, on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family.  Includes communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos. 
•  Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work, and prepares clinical and progress notes. 
•  Educates patients and families on, and assists in, preparation of advanced directives. 
•  Provides information and referral services for organizational patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs. 
•  Provides information to patients and families/caregivers as well as community agencies. 
•  Serves as a liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community based organizations. 
•  Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care. 
•  Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel. 
•  Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the team in recognizing the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness. 
•  Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues. 
•  Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities upon request. 
•  Assists family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities. 
•  Other duties as delegated by the Executive Director. 

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those stated in this description. 

Position Qualifications 

• A graduate of a bachelor’s program in social work accredited by the Council on  
  Social Work Education.  Meets personnel qualifications stated in §418.114(b)(3). 
•  Minimum of (1) year experience in health care, hospice experience preferred.  Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying. 
•  Must possess current CPR certification. 
•  Experience in hospice care is preferred. 
•  Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is in good working order.  Driving is required throughout hours worked. 
•  Demonstrates excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, and basic math skills. 
•  Prolonged or considerable walking or standing.  Able to lift, position and/or transfer patients.  Able to lift supplies and equipment.  Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and/or crouching. 
•  Comply with accepted professional standards and practice. 
•  Must be able to work independently, make judgements based on assessments and data available, and act accordingly.  Must be flexible, innovative, and possess good interpersonal skills.  Must be able to cope with mental and emotional stress and demonstrate emotional stability. 
•  Be able to tolerate exposure to elements including, but not limited to: odors, blood, body fluids and excrement, adverse environmental conditions and hazardous materials. 
•  Ability to work as a member of the interdisciplinary group. 
•  Ability to accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values.