Social Worker-Palliative & Hospice

10K NEW HIRE BONUS OFFERED POSITION SUMMARY : The Palliative Care # Home Based Primary Care Social Worker addresses a client#s physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being in all disease stages. Assessments focus on the goals, needs and strengths of both the patient and family caregivers. This includes supporting patients in the home-based primary care services setting who require social work assistance for psycho-social and palliative care needs, such as goals of care discussions, Educates patient / family, healthcare staff, and community, on all aspects of palliative care and the services provided. Embodies and serves as an ambassador for the philosophy of evidence-based symptom management and whole patient assessment for patients with life-limiting illness. Uses professional background and skills to assist the Palliative Care Team to facilitate patient / family meetings. Assists Palliative Care Team, attending physicians, staff, patients / families in the clarification of Goals of Care during hospitalization and the Plan of Care for post discharge. Ensures excellent patient care services through participation in education, outreach services and quality improvement initiatives. Links Palliative Care Team efforts with other hospital departments as well as outpatient community services to facilitate efficient discharge planning and clear follow up post discharge. Additionally, the Social Worker serves as a Community Liaison, promoting care coordination and comprehensive planning for patients transitioning from the hospital and for those in home-based primary care setting requiring additional support. # Education / Certification : Required : Master#s Degree in Social Work Three (3) years direct patient care experience # Preferred : A State of CT. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Experience in internal medicine, geriatrics or oncology Two (2) years Hospice / Palliative Care experience Advanced certification in Hospice and Palliative Care Bilingual in Spanish # COMPETENCIES : The duties of the position require strong clinical skills including a demonstrated strength in team orientation and an ability to function effectively in a work environment where multitasking is necessary. Strong written and verbal communication skills using the English language is essential. Must be flexible in approach so that service-specific as well as overall system needs can be met. Experience with interdisciplinary team function. Knowledge of medical terminology, the psychosocial impact of serious illnesses. Demonstrated ability to interrelate with physicians, nurses, support staff, and patients. Knowledge of the principles of patient teaching and delegation, care planning, and appropriate utilization of acute hospital, long term care, and home care resources. Demonstrates customer-focused service skills. Knowledge of community resources, family dynamics, and the dying process.# # # ########### Job-Specific Competency Professional behavior supporting department policies, procedures, goals, and values. Activities include assessment and coordination of physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs of patients who are appropriate for palliative consultation / care (inpatient and outpatient), and for patients in our home-based primary care setting in need of support. Assists in interdisciplinary team to increase efficiency, productivity, and ongoing development of Palliative Care Consult Team role. Participates in interdisciplinary care planning and provides services in accordance with an established individualized palliative care team plan of care, including care coordination, resources for grief and anticipatory grief, and other community resources. Assures professional competency through maintaining working knowledge of current social work practice, available community services, member benefits, resources, and regulatory standards. Selects and attends education programs to keep current in area of practice. Conducts social work consultation and resource development. Maintains educational record and provides evidence of competency. Participates in quality improvement and utilization management activities as requested, such as clinical record review, occurrence reporting, focused studies, process, and outcome measurements. Documents according to program standards, Federal, and State regulations. Assures medical record documentation. Participates in program functions such as staff meetings, staff-in services, and committees, as assigned. Participates in orientation of new personnel. Participates and serves on department-wide committees, support quality improvement initiatives and special projects as assigned. # # We are a small community hospital where your voice is heard! We believe in sharing ideas and working with staff to create innovative ideas to improve employee engagement and patient care. # What we offer : Generous vacation that is front loaded based on budgeted hours. Ex. 40 hours / week = 26 days a year! Sick Time on an accrual basis 401(k) / Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance / Employee Assistance Program Voluntary Benefit Options Tuition Reimbursement, Free Parking # Perk Spots (Discounts at local retailers, restaurants, travel, and childcare centers) Career Growth within the organization