What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Worker-Salary position at Affinity Hospice?
Job Description:
Job Description Summary
The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) is responsible for assessing the psychosocial symptoms experienced by the patient and their family. This role involves the development of psychosocial objectives aimed at alleviating the identified symptoms, as well as delivering psychoeducation, supportive counseling, and casework interventions necessary to achieve these objectives. Additionally, the Social Worker offers psychosocial education and consultation to the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG).
Position Qualifications
- EDUCATION:
- Master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent is preferred.
- Experience:
- One (1) year experience in health care.
- Experience in a hospice care is preferred.
- Certification/licensure(s):
- Licensure in master’s level social work required.
- Maintains current CPR certification.
- A valid drivers license with a reliable, insured vehicle that meets organization requirements.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assess the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment and communicates findings to the members of the interdisciplinary group.
- Provide an assessment in the patient's identified residence and assistance when it is not safe, and another plan is required.
- Carry out social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high risks for suicide, neglect or abuse and plans intervention based on evaluation findings.
- Counsel patients and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties.
- Provide crisis intervention when necessary.
- Assess for, and educates interdisciplinary group, on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family. Include communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos.
- Maintain clinical records on all patients referred to social work prepares clinical and progress notes.
- Educate patients and families on, and assist in, preparation of advanced directives.
- 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 a liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.
- Maintain collaborative relationships with organization associates to support patient care.
- Maintain and develop contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and associate.
- Participate in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family.
- Attend regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the team in recognizing the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness
- 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.
- Assist family and patients in planning funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities.
- Perform other LMSW duties as assigned by management to support department goals and initiatives.
knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
- Must have reliable transportation to travel to patient homes per patient schedule and agency needs, as appropriate.
- Must be able to document and chart appropriately and within specific time frames.
- Must practice regular and dependable attendance per company policy and procedure.
- Must be able to communicate and function in an interdisciplinary team.
- Must be able to follow physician orders and social work care plans for patients.
- Must be able to perform a social assessment and develop a care plan which identifies medically related social and emotional problems and needs with realistic goals and specific actions to be taken.
- Must be able to act as a patient advocate and provide education to staff regarding patient rights, social/economic factors impeding patient/caregiver ability to follow treatment plan.
- Must have excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Must be competent in standard Microsoft Office applications, email and internet.
- Must be knowledgeable of social work practices and procedures based on state practice acts.
- Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
- Must possess the ability to work harmoniously with professional and non-professional personnel.
- Must understand and follow company policies and procedures, including harassment and complaint policies and procedures.
- Must be able to concentrate and use reasoning skills and good judgment.
- Must practice regular and dependable attendance.
- Must be able to assist patients and families through counseling, education, financial planning assistance, liaison with community agencies, etc.
Affinity Hospice is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
