Bereavement Associate/Medical Social Worker

Job Description

Job Description

Join a Mission That Puts Care First

At our community-grown, independent nonprofit, we believe in keeping the  care in healthcare. For over 45 years, our mission has been rooted in compassion, dignity, and service to those at the end of life and those who care for them. We don’t answer to shareholders — we answer to our community.

We care deeply about our people so they can care deeply for others. That’s why we’re building a team of dedicated, mission-driven professionals who believe that kindness, respect, and human connection are the foundation of meaningful care.

If you’re someone who believes that healthcare should serve people — not profits — and want to be part of a team where your voice matters and your heart leads the way, we’d love to meet you.

Care for the community. Be cared for as a professional. Grow with us.

Bereavement Associate/Medical Social Worker

0.5 FTE, Non-exempt, Part-time

Unbenefited 

Reports to Social Services Clinical Manager

Scope of Position: This  position will primarily work within the Bereavement program and will also work in the capacity of Medical Social Worker.   

The Bereavement Associate provides both direct and indirect support to hospice and community bereavement clients, including counseling and group facilitation, in coordination with the Bereavement Coordinator.   

The Medical Social Worker collaborates with patients, families, the hospice team and other providers to identify and address psychosocial and practical needs related to a terminal or serious illness.  This position may carry a patient case load based on organizational needs.

Qualifications:

• Commitment to serving the needs of the terminally ill and the bereaved.
• Requires a Masters of Social Work degree from an accredited School of Social Work and current LCSW, LMSW or CSWA issued by the Oregon State Board of Licensed Social Workers. CSWAs must be actively pursuing further licensure. 
• Bereavement Counseling certification preferred.
• Hospice or Healthcare/Medical Social Work experience preferred.
• Prefer two years supervised social work experience that includes individual, family and/or group counseling and demonstrated knowledge of grief and loss theory and evidence-based interventions.
• Requires strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must be reliable, flexible and have the ability to work both independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong organization skills, time management, and attention to detail.
• Intermediate skills in email, word processing, internet, keyboarding, and the ability to learn to use medical software to complete accurate and timely charting is required.
• Bi-lingual, Spanish speaking ability preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record and have access to a reliable automobile to travel to and from patient/clients’ homes as well as facilities and events.
• Basic life support CPR card.

Essential Functions (including but not limited to)

Bereavement:

• Maintains standards of excellence in accordance with principles set forth by the profession of the Bereavement Coordinator and best practice guidelines for bereavement care.
• Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary group (IDG) to formulate a bereavement plan of care for family members and/or other caregivers in consultation with other IDG members.
• Implements an appropriate bereavement plan for assigned individuals, to include mailings, phone calls and individual counseling, as indicated by bereavement risk assessment.
• Plans, implements, and evaluates bereavement support groups and community events.
• Provides community bereaved consultation and counseling.
• Trains and supervises bereavement volunteers; participates in evaluation of bereavement volunteers.
• Assists with program development.
• Maintains responsibility for patients’ bereavement records in accordance with Lumina’s record retention policies.

Social Work:

• Maintains the standards of Social Work excellence in accordance with principles set forth by the profession, NASW Code of Ethics, and best practice guidelines for hospice and palliative care.
• Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary group (IDG) to formulate a plan of care for patient/family and/or other caregivers in consultation with other IDG members. Observes, evaluates, and brings to team conferences information regarding psychosocial, spiritual, physical, and financial conditions affecting the patient and family.
• Assesses, evaluates, and regularly reevaluates needs of the patient and family.
• Provides counseling to the patient and caregivers related to end-of-life issues.
• Educates patient and caregivers on grief issues and coping skills.
• Assists patients and their families in utilizing relevant community resources and coordinates social services with other community agencies.
• Assists patients and families in making choices that best meet their needs by providing alternatives and support.
• Collaborates professionally with other health care providers, including the patient’s physician and care facilities to ensure optimal care for the patient.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates educational programs for families, staff, and the community.

General:

• Participates in the orientation, training and support of hospice staff, as appropriate.
• Provides all services in full compliance with Medicare regulations. Documents all patient/family contacts and interventions and maintains accurate and up-to-date patient records and care plan including observations and reports of patient’s eligibility for the Medicare Hospice Benefit.
• Completes documentation at the time of visit or as soon as possible following the visit. All documentation must be completed within 24 hours.
• Completes all assigned education modules and maintains knowledge and skills important to their role, including knowledge of organizational policies and information presented at agency meetings and in-services.
• Independently completes continuing education as required by professional licensure.
• Effectively accesses and utilizes agency resources including agency databases, software, electronic devices and web-based programs.
• Assists the public with referrals to Lumina Hospice Service and/or community resources. Communicates positively in the community about Lumina’s mission, services, vision and values.
• Contributes to communication, positive work environment, and team effort.
• Serves as assigned on agency-wide initiatives and/or committees.
• Participates in Quality and Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities.
• Understands and adheres to Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care Privacy Policy; Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care Vulnerable Persons Policy; and all policies and procedures contained in the Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care Employee Handbook

• Expected to act as a mandatory reporter of suspected elderly and/or child abuse

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working conditions and special requirements:

• Hours are varied and may include weekdays, weekends, and evenings based on patient and organizational needs in accordance with Lumina Hospice’s Census Based Staffing policy.

• Care is provided in a variety of settings, including homes with unpredictable environments, including uneven surfaces and potential hazards such as animals, smoke, and exposure to communicable diseases etc.
• Must have valid driver’s license and full access to an insured vehicle for work with expectation of significant driving.
• Must maintain an eligible driving record throughout employment.
• Must have physical, intellectual, and emotional capability to perform all essential functions of position. Accommodations for disabilities will be made whenever possible unless such accommodations would create an undue hardship for Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care.

• Work from home opportunities are limited and must have supervisor approval.