Social Worker - Hospice (PRN)

Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough, a member of Empath Health is currently seeking a Social Worker to join our hospice team to provide comfort and support to patients and their families during the end-of-life journey.

Varied schedule:  Provide 64 hours monthly; Monday - Friday 8am - 5 pm.  May assist Home, ALF or LTC teams. 

The Social Worker coordinates care and/or provides supportive and medical social services to terminally ill patients and their families in accordance with an appropriate plan of care. In collaboration with the interdisciplinary group, maintains responsibility for the development, implementation, and management of psycho-social services provided to hospice patients and families in all settings.

Job Duties:

• Promotes and practices the Hospice mission and core values and follows all policies and procedures of Empath Health.
• Manages a caseload and provides ongoing assessment of patient/family needs regarding their understanding and ability to cope with terminal illness and death. Includes assessing emotional, economic, environmental and cultural factors related to the terminal illness, psychosocial/spiritual needs, including risk factors such as mental health diagnosis, including anxiety/depression, suicidal and homicidal ideation, substance abuse, abuse and neglect and bereavement risk factors and collaborates with the IDG accordingly.  Also assesses the nature and condition leading to admission, factors impacting care planning, coping strategies, family dynamics and communication patterns, financial resources, family support systems, the functional status of the patient and ability participate in their own care and caregiver's ability to function effectively.
• Consults and collaborates with the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) to complete the initial comprehensive assessment, identifying the psychosocial needs and wishes of the patient/family, and assists the (IDG) members in recognizing and understanding the social/mental stress and/or disorder that exacerbates the symptoms related to terminal illness.
• Provides ongoing individual and/or family counseling as indicated and requested and updates the patient/family on condition/decline.
• Evaluates patient/family response and satisfaction to psychosocial interventions.
• Evaluates for long-term care when appropriate and assessing ability to accept change in place of residence or level of care as indicated.
• Advocate for patient/family right to self-determination.
• Provides crisis intervention as needed.
• Completes the admission process when needed including consent signage and determining financial status.
• Assesses patient/family need for case management assistance and link patient/family to appropriate resources.
• Ensures patient/family has access to financial resources including information about Medicare and Medicaid and insurance.
• Participates in IDG meetings, facilitating the understanding of the psychosocial aspects of care, including the patient/family goals for care.
• Maintains the electronic medical record (EMR) and follows organization guidelines for completing documentation.
• Includes assessment of anticipatory grief needs and bereavement needs of the patient/family. Develops the bereavement care plan based on the family needs after the death.
• Provides case management and care coordination in various care settings and updates the medical record with current financial status and level of care.
• Assists the patient/family with discharge planning from hospitals, Hospice residences and skilled nursing facilities.
• Assists the patient/family with decision making issues by providing support, education and resources, including advance directives and funeral/memorial planning.
• Educates the community regarding Hospice Care philosophy and concept through a case-by-case consultation with persons in the community or educational in-service or seminar.
• Participates in on-call rotation.
• Display respectful adherence to Empath Health’s community partner facilities, staff, rules, and regulations.
• Provides other services as requested by team leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• At least one year of social work experience in a healthcare setting (the one-year Masters level internship would meet this requirement) and has a current Florida license, or
• Licensure:
  • Required to have one of the following credentials:

1. 1. 1. Licensed in the State of Florida in one of the following
      2. Social Work (LCSW) or
      3. Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or
      4. Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or
      5. Has applied for one of the above licenses and will be licensed in the State of Florida within 90 days of hire

OR

1. 1. 1. License eligible (Registered Intern) in the State of Florida in one of the following:
      2. Social Work (RCSWI) or
      3. Mental Health Counselor (RMHCI) or
      4. Marriage and Family Therapist (RMFTI) or
      5. Has applied for one of the above licenses and will be licensed as a registered intern in the State of Florida within 90 days of hire

• Valid Florida State Driver’s License
• For field-based positions, employees must have reliable transportation which will enable them to perform tasks and responsibilities in a timely and appropriate fashion. Must provide proof of valid automobile insurance, a copy of which will be placed in the employee’s HR file.

Empath Health values diversity as it strengthens our community and care. We embrace the diversity of cultures, thoughts, beliefs and traditions of our employees, volunteers and people we are honored to serve across our network. Our diverse staff reflects our community and each day, we work to be respectful, sensitive and competent with each other and those in our care. In every journey, we are dedicated to achieving comfort, dignity and exceptional care. Those of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply with us or seek our care and services.

Our commitment to patient, client, staff and volunteer safety is a cornerstone of a High Reliability Organization with a focus on zero harm. Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Empath Health employees.

Providing compassionate, full life care is an honor we take seriously at Empath Health. Join our team and make a positive impact in the community!