Hospice Social Worker

Hospice Social Worker

The Hospice Social Worker is responsible for modeling the Compassus values of Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Innovation and for promoting the Compassus philosophy, using the 6 Pillars of Success as the foundation. S/he is responsible for upholding the Code of Ethical Conduct and for promoting positive working relationships within the company, among all departments, and all external stakeholders. The Hospice Social Worker provides preventive, educational, and evaluative and treatment services to meet the psychosocial needs of patients and their families, to help them improve, restore, and maintain their maximum level of coping. S/he utilizes community resources and the interdisciplinary team (IDT) to aid in this process.

Position Specific Responsibilities

• Explains hospice services and Medicare benefits to patients and families; obtains Informed Consent and Election of Benefits documents as requested.
• Submits appropriate documentation and paperwork to facilities at the completion of patient visits; documentation is completed and submitted timely according to company policy.
• Participates as a member of the IDT, including development and implementation of the plan of care.
• Provides psycho-social support and counseling services to the patient and family; supports the involvement of external counseling resources commensurate with patient/family needs and scope of practice.
• Assists in identifying the need for intervention of other IDT members.
• Effectively communicates patient and family needs to IDT.
• Collaborates with IDT to coordinate psycho-social care and support for the patient and family to ensure appropriateness, continuity, and quality of care.
• Maintains updated, comprehensive care plans which reflect current problems, goals and interventions for patients.
• Maintains respect for the family's environment and belief systems, and remains nondiscriminatory regarding age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, and other personal matters.
• Completes initial and ongoing psycho-social assessments for patients; identifies and addresses concerns/issues related to financial means, insurance, living arrangements/placement for long-term care, caregiver stressors, pre-bereavement and anticipatory grief, and community resource needs.
• Facilitates placement in long-term care as warranted and monitors adjustment.
• Participates in care planning meetings at long-term care facilities.
• Supports and facilitates advance planning including living will/POA documents, funeral arrangements, memorial services, and body/organ donation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

• Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE accredited program accompanied by at least 1 year of healthcare experience.
• Candidates who have a bachelor's degree in social work or related field and 1 year of healthcare experience will be considered for locations who have an MSW available to supervise.
• Candidates must hold state licensure as required and applicable for the state in which you practice.

Skills

• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage.
• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from leaders, team members, investors, and external parties. Strong written and verbal communications.
• Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English. Articulates and embraces hospice philosophy.

State-Specific Licensure Requirements for Social Workers

Alabama: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Alaska: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Arizona: NO - Licensure not mandatory for hospice but required for independent counseling.

California: NO - Licensure not mandatory for hospice but required for independent counseling.

Colorado: NO - Licensure not required to practice social work.

Connecticut: NO - Licensure not required to practice social work.

Georgia: YES - Licensure required: BSW must be supervised by MSW; MSWs need licensure after one year.

Illinois: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Indiana: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Iowa: NO - Licensure not required to practice social work.

Kansas: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Kentucky: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Louisiana: YES - Licensure required: LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW; a minimum MSW degree is needed.

Maine: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Massachusetts: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Michigan: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Mississippi: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Missouri: NO - Licensure not required; however, BSW must be supervised by MSW.

Montana: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

New Hampshire: YES - Licensure required: LCSW is needed for independent counseling in clinical social work.

New Jersey: YES - Licensure required: LMSW or LCSW.

New Mexico: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, or LCSW.

Ohio: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Oklahoma: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Oregon: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Pennsylvania: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

South Carolina: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Tennessee: NO - Licensure not required to practice social work.

Texas: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Virginia: NO - Licensure required only for independent counseling in clinical social work.

Washington: NO - Licensure not required to practice social work.

West Virginia: YES - Licensure required: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, or LICSW.

Wisconsin: YES - Licensure required: LBSW or LCSW

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The demands of this role necessitate a team member to effectively perform essential functions. Adaptations can be made to accommodate team members with disabilities. Regular standing, walking, and manual dexterity are fundamental, along with the ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds. Visual acuity requirements include close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. In a healthcare setting, exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and conditions typical to the field is expected. Routine use of standard medical equipment and tools associated with clinical care is essential. This description provides a general overview and may vary by role and department, capturing the nuanced demands and conditions inherent to clinical positions in our organization.

At Compassus, including all Compassus affiliates, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Pillars of Success. We are committed to creating a fair work environment where our team members feel welcomed, highly valued, and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Build a Rewarding Career with Compassus At Compassus, we care for our team members as much as we care for our patients and their families. Through our Care for Who I Am culture, we show compassion, respect, and appreciation for every individual. Embark on a career that cares for you while you care for others.

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