Social Worker - Memory Partners

JOB SUMMARY

The Memory Partners Program Social Worker works under the Memory Partners Program Director, with clinical oversight provided by the Director of Counseling. The social worker provides professional counseling and education to patients and caregivers accessing the agency’s Memory Partners Program. The social worker facilitates dementia-specific support groups, which may include caregiver and patient support groups. The social worker coordinates with the Program Director and Registered Nurse in acting as a community liaison and providing education to the community regarding dementia-related topics. The social worker provides therapeutic expressive arts interventions to patients and caregivers utilizing evidence-based practices. The social worker will coordinate with other team members in supporting the volunteer services provided in the Memory Partners Program. The social worker will help ensure that services provided will exceed clinical, quality, and administrative expectations.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES

1. Provides professional counseling to patients living with dementia and their caregivers.

2. Conducts support groups for patients living with dementia and their caregivers

3. Collaborates with Dementia Care team members to deliver services according to program needs.

4. Coordinates the delivery of care with the volunteers, which may include providing education and on-going collegial support to them regarding dementia-related topics.

5. Facilitates therapeutic expressive art interventions utilizing evidence-based integrative methods to provide creative outlets for patients and caregivers accessing the program.

6.  Coordinates with the Dementia Care team to provide education and outreach when requested.

7. Provides on-going education to the team, patients, and families regarding issues and loss  associated with living with and caring for someone with dementia.

8. Organizes and performs work effectively and efficiently.

9. Maintains and adjusts schedule to enhance team performance.

10. Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations in dealing with all members of the team.

11. Maintains and promotes customer satisfaction.

12. Effectively demonstrates the mission, vision, and values of the agency daily.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

 1.Education: Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field preferred. Specialized training or post-degree education in dementia recommended, but not required.

2.Licensure / Certifications: Licensure to practice independently preferred (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LCMHC etc.).

3.Experience: At least two years of professional experience, preferably in a healthcare or counseling setting. Experience preferred in either Home Care, Palliative, or Hospice nursing with a strong background in dementia, Alzheimer’s, or memory care.

4.Essential Technical / Motor Skills: Literate in the English language. Ability to speak clearly and to be understood by customers. Basic counseling skills including the ability to listen to and assist severely distressed individuals daily. Ability to safely travel throughout geographic area. Ability to learn to proficiently utilize the agency’s computerized documentation system, including meeting and maintaining required computer competency levels within acceptable time requirements.

5.Interpersonal Skills: Strong team membership skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to quickly develop positive interactions with team members, clients, and the public. Highly self-motivated and self-disciplined, flexible, and positive attitude.

6.Essential Physical Requirements: Daily driving/riding while traveling in geographic area. Sitting, walking, climbing stairs, writing, and using a computer daily. Ability to access patient/family homes which may have obstacles making access difficult (i.e., steep stairs, broken sidewalks, dark hallways, etc.)

7.Essential Mental Abilities: Ability to assess clients’ needs for LCFL services, formulate care plans, utilize appropriate interventions, evaluate clients’ responses to interventions. Ability to utilize basic mathematics skills. Ability to organize and complete work requirements on a timely basis.

8.Essential Sensory Requirements: Hearing and sight needed for driving and for accessing patients’, families’ residences.

9.Exposure to Hazards: Follows OSHA guidelines for tasks that involve potential exposure to blood or body fluids. Ability to withstand allergens such as dust, smoking products, and fumes. May be exposed to various animals and traffic hazards while making home visits. May encounter extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

10.Other - Hours of Work: Exempt status with flexibility to meet the needs of the department.

11.Population Served: Patient/family population in LCFL service area. Counselors may serve clients/patients from toddlers through older adults. May be required to travel to another geographic region to provide services, participate in meetings, or attend educational events