Medical Social Worker

Medical Social Worker

The medical social worker contracted or employed through the organization is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services and for adherence to all conditions in the Service or Employment Agreement.

Assess the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment and communicate findings to the registered nurse and other members of the interdisciplinary group. Provide an assessment in the patient's identified residence and assistance when this is not safe and another plan is required.

Carry out social evaluations and plans intervention based on evaluation findings. Counsel patients and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties.

Maintain clinical records on all patients referred to social work. Provide information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs. Provide information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies. Serve as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies. Maintain collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care. Maintain and develop contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel. Participate in the development of the individualized plan of care and attend regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings. Assist physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues. Actively participate in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities. 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 the employee of this job. The employee may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

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's experience in health care, hospice experience preferred. Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying. Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills. Possesses and maintains current CPR Certification. The ability to drive and/or have access to transportation for agency related travel (e.g. community partners, patients, etc.) is an essential function of the job. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license, maintain automobile insurance coverage and have access to an automobile.