Hospice Medical Social Worker

Position: Hospice MSW

Are you looking for a workplace where you can make a genuine difference? Company culture that feels supportive, genuine, and appreciative of all? Anchor Health is committed to the communities of which we serve, the patients and families we have the honor of caring for, and the employees who have chosen us as their work family.

Job Description

The Medical Social Worker (MSW) is responsible for assisting patients and families/caregivers with both the social and emotional issues and practical arrangements related to the patient's illness. The MSW is an integral member of the hospice interdisciplinary team and will provide on-going assessments, information, treatment planning, and coordination to meet the needs of patients and families/caregivers.

Job Functions/Responsibilities

• 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.

• Carries out social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high-risks for suicide, neglect, or abuse and plans intervention based on evaluation findings. Counsels patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties. Provides crisis intervention when necessary.

• Assesses for, and educates interdisciplinary group, on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family. Includes communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos.

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

• Educates patients and families on, and assists in, preparation of advanced directives.

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

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

• Serves as liaison between patients and 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 personnel.

• Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the team in recognizing the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness.

• Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.

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

• Assists family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities.

• Other duties as delegated by the Clinical Supervisor/Manager.

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.

Job Requirements

• Ability to travel throughout the assigned geography per job requirements.

• Thorough knowledge of community resources or the desire/ability to obtain this knowledge.

• Knowledge of key psychosocial issues prevalent with terminally ill patients and their family/caregivers, including the knowledge of effective psychosocial interventions to address those issues.

• Ability to relate and work collaboratively with other members of an interdisciplinary team.

• Excellent listening and communication skills.

• Ability to be an effective patient and family advocate

Qualifications

• A graduate of a Master’s program in social work (MSW) accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. OR

• 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)

• Minimum of one-year social work experience in a health care setting, hospice experience preferred. Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying.

• Experience in hospice care 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.