Licensed Social Worker

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Medical social worker employed through the organization is responsible for the implementation of standards of care and the patients specific plan of care for medical social work services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. 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.

2. Carries out social evaluations and plans intervention based on evaluation findings. Counsels patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties.

3. Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work.

4. Provides information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.

5. Provides information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.

6. Serves as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.

7. Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.

8. Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel.

9. Maintains and assists the volunteer coordinator in establishing a need for volunteer services with the patient and family/caregiver and entire hospice team.

10. Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings.

11. Adhering to the organization's documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional conduct.

12. Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotion-al factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.

Job Title/Position: Medical Social Worker

13. Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.

14. Other duties as delegated by the Clinical Supervisor .

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

1. 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).

2. Minimum of one year's experience in health care, hospice experience preferred. Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying.

3. Experience in a hospice care preferred.

4. Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.

5. Possesses and maintains current CPR Certification.

6. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state or organization requirements and is in good working order.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Prolonged or considerable walking or standing.

2. Able to lift, position, and/or transfer patients.

3. Able to lift supplies and equipment.

4. Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and/or crouching.

5. Visual acuity and hearing to perform required skills.

The employer for this position is stated in the job posting. The Pennant Group, Inc. is a holding company of independent operating subsidiaries that provide healthcare services through home health and hospice agencies and senior living communities located throughout the US. Each of these businesses is operated by a separate, independent operating subsidiary that has its own management, employees and assets. More information about The Pennant Group, Inc. is available at