Social Worker MSW Hospice

Hospice Social Worker

The social worker is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assumes responsibility for the ongoing interdisciplinary assessment and development of the individualized plan of care in partnership with the patient, representative (if any), and caregiver(s).
• Assesses the psychosocial status of patients related to the patient’s illness and environment and communicates findings to the registered nurse.
• Carries out social evaluations and plans intervention based on evaluation findings.
• Provides patient, caregiver, and family counseling. 
• Providing services that are ordered by the physician as indicated in the plan of care.
• Communicates with the physician who is responsible for the home health plan of care and other health care practitioners (as appropriate) related to the current home health plan of care.
• Assists physician and other teams members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems. 
• Prepares clinical notes on all patients referred to social work.
• Provides information and referral services for Organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.
• Provides education to patients or families/caregivers and community agencies.
• Serves as liaison between patients or families/caregivers and community agencies.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with Organization personnel to support patient care.
• Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and organization personnel.
• Participates in the development of the total plan of care and case conferences as required.
• Participates in discharge planning.
• Supervises, as directed, any Social Worker Assistants (SWA’s). 
• Participating in the HHA's quality assessment and performance improvement program and HHA-sponsored in-service training.
• Other duties as delegated by the Director of Nursing /Supervisor.

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

JOB REQUIREMENTS (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

• Must have a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Minimum of one year's social work experience in health care setting.
• Experience in a home health care or hospice preferred.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
• Possesses and maintains current CPR certification.
• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state or organization requirements and is in good working order.

At River Valley Home Health and Hospice we believe that caring for the elderly or frail is the noblest of professions. Our team is trained and motivated to deliver superior clinical outcomes and high patient and family satisfaction. It is through our team’s dedication to deliver life changing service that we become the “provider of choice” in the community that we serve. A career with River Valley Home Health and Hospice requires a commitment to making work fun and celebrating successes; delivering and holding each other to the highest standards of care and professionalism; continual learning; treating others as people whose interest matter as much as our own; being innovative while using good judgment. One other thing about our work culture; we know that in order for our patients to receive the care they deserve; we need to put our employees first.