Hospice Social Worker

DESCRIPTION

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Social Worker

FUNCTION

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the social worker helps to meet the needs of individuals and families affected by life-limiting illness and end of life issues.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision of and receives guidance as needed by the Patient Care Coordinator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May be asked to supervise an intern

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

(These tasks are illustrative only; to carry out the day-to-day functions of the job, other duties may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position.)

• Works with populations of varying cultures, ages, socioeconomic classes and nontraditional families to assess needs and intervene appropriately

• Assesses patients and families, including biopsychosocial information, to develop care plans to enhance family coping skills with terminal illness

• Provides individual and family counseling

• Educates the patient/family about anticipatory grief, loss, and the dying process

• Provides short-term crisis intervention

• Attends funerals and evaluates family/friends for bereavement risks

• Observes and evaluates information regarding psychosocial, spiritual, financial, and physical conditions affecting the patient and family

• Assists Admissions team as needed

• Assists in discharge planning by providing advice and support to the patient and family concerning nursing homes and assisted living placement

• Completes financial assessments

• Rotates in Home Care and in the Hospice house as scheduled by Patient Care Coordinators in both departments

• Maintains standards of social work excellence in accordance with the principles set forth by NHPCO, NASW, and agency policies and procedures

• Facilitates communication between patient/family/team members

• Makes referrals to volunteer coordinator, chaplain, complementary therapy, or to

community resources

• Participates in committees, task forces, and agency events

• Attends staff meetings and interdisciplinary team meetings

• Participates in orientation of new staff to social work activities

• Reassesses and revises care plans in response to newly identified needs and altered

goals of care

• Documents psychosocial information clearly and concisely and in a timely manner

• Assists with Quality Assurance activities (Audits, IDT, etc.)

• Participates in marketing calls and community education events as appropriate

• Participates in weekend on-call rotation

• Assumes other duties as necessary

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

(A) Social Work degree from an accredited School of Social Work

(B) Licenses by South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners

(C) Two years in health care setting preferred

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(D) Excellent written and oral communications skills.

(E) Excellent organizational skills and the ability to be flexible


(F) Ability to perform in a self-directed manner; a self-starter.

(G) Cultural competency.

(H) Demonstrates ability to be open, sensitive and compassionate.

(I) Demonstrates ability to cope with family emotional stress and be tolerant of individual life styles.

(J) Able to work successfully with varied groups of people.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Standard Office Equipment. Must become competent in Hospice of the Upstate medical charting software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

May be required to climb steps, stoop, bend or lift up to 25 pounds.


I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY THIS POSITION DESCRIPTION.


I ACKNOWLEDGE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT A CONTRACT OR LEGAL DOCUMENT.

REQUIREMENTS

• LMSW
• Valid South Carolina Drivers License

Hospice of the Upstate provides compassionate, high-quality care for seriously and terminally ill patients and their families, while leading and educating the community about end-of-life. As a Hospice Social Worker, you'll help patients and caregivers navigate emotional, social, and practical challenges with dignity and support. Hospice of the Upstate is a great place to work because it values meaningful work, strong teamwork, and ongoing commitment to patient-centered care. The position also includes benefits, a 401(k) with employer match, and mileage reimbursement.