Social Worker MSW

Position Summary

Under general supervision of the Clinical Supervisor and Hospice Manager, provides social work and supportive services to meet the psychosocial needs of neonatal through geriatric patients and their families, enabling patients to properly utilize medical care and health care resources in achieving their optimal level of physical and emotional health. Responsible for consultation with other agency personnel; performs related work as required. Ensures all actions taken in carrying out responsibilities support patient centered care.

Position Responsibilities

Unit Specific Position Responsibilities

Under physician’s orders, assesses patient/family psychological responses to illness and provides counseling services to patient/family.

Assists physicians and other members of the hospice team in understanding the significant social and emotional factors related to patient terminal illness.

Obtains appropriate patient financial information and provides counseling and referral as needed.

Maintains familiarity with requirements of funding sources.

Provides education and counseling programs and publications to patients/families and HOMEWARD staff.

Complete psycho-social (spiritual and bereavement assessments if requested) assessment.

Assists patient/family and agency staff in utilizing community resources and collaborates with interdisciplinary team to establish discharge planning needs as appropriate.

Initiate care plan in conjunction with other interdisciplinary team members including nursing personnel, dietitian, therapists, pharmacist and physicians.

Completes documentation in patient records according to policy.

Assure therapeutic environment implementing safety precautions as appropriate.

Oversees activities and reviews documentation of Bachelor prepared social worker.

Participates and maintains quality improvement and infection control initiatives to promote positive patient outcomes.

Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience

Required Qualifications (Including any licensure, certification, education):

Possession of a current license in Bachelors Social Worker issued by the State of Iowa

Masters degree in social work from a school approved by the Council on Social Work Education and one year’s social work experience in a health care setting.

Possession of a current valid Iowa driver’s license and must maintain eligibility for coverage under Mary Greeley Medical Center’s insurance policy.

Mandatory Reporter training within 90 days of hire and must maintain throughout employment.

Organizational Requirements:

Maintain stroke education per regulatory requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LISW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) require

Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

social work and the ability to apply them; of public and private welfare and health agencies available to serve the community; of the provision of hospice policies and procedures with the statutes and the rules and regulations of the State of Iowa and the Federal Regulations governing the operations of hospice.

Ability to establish good working relationships with patients and staff; to secure appropriate information by direct and collateral interviews; to analyze problems presented, to bring departments and community resources to bear within existing policies and regulations, and to develop and implement effective courses of action; to prepare clear and concise case records and to keep other relevant records; ability to prepare regular and special written and oral reports. Skilled in patient evaluation and social/psychological planning and research. Skilled in group facilitation.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

None Specified