Hospice Social Worker – Bachelor’s Level (BSW)

ESSENCE OF LIFE HOSPICE is looking for a Hospice Social Worker to join our team to care for our hospice patients in the comfort of their homes or in care facilities located throughout our 8 county service area. Outstanding communication skills (observation, verbal, and written), the ability to multitask effectively, and keen attention to detail are a must. Individuals who understand the hospice philosophy and issues of death and dying are encouraged to apply!

Required Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from a school of Social Work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a health care setting. Hospice experience preferred.
• Demonstrated socialization skills.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as a member of a team.
• Demonstrates knowledge of resources available in the community.

Medical Social Worker

• Assess the psychosocial status of clients to determine factors that may interfere with patient’s ability to achieve goals.
• Completes assessments in a timely manner and in accordance with Essence of Life Hospice policy.
• Develops written plan to provide information and direction to other hospice team members.
• Regularly documents all findings, plans, interventions, and client progress in the clinical record.
• Communicates changes within the plan of care to the physician and/or Patient Care Manager, and other hospice staff through updating the care plan, written progress notes in clinical record, and/or participation in IDT meetings.
• Initiates referrals as appropriate.
• Acts as a guide for the patient and family when levels of service change (Routine, Continuous, Respite, and General) while document current social situation that directly influences the augmentation of existing services. Cultural beliefs, financial concerns, family situation, and support system factors must be taken into consideration.
• Responsible for assisting patients and families throughout augmentation of existing services (ie, determining location, how its paid for, level of care needed, follow up after augmentation, overseeing placement when needed)
• Acts as an advocate by accessing community resources that would benefit the patient and family and assists with implementing the desired services in order to accomplish patient, team and Essence of Life goals.
• Participates in care conferences and other team and Essence of Life Hospice meetings, sharing ideas of expertise and initiating interdisciplinary referrals to accomplish patient, team, and Essence of Life goals.
• Serves as a member of the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement team and assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the ongoing initiatives.
• Serves as a member of the Professional Advisory Committee and provides leadership to the interdisciplinary team and committee in identifying opportunities to improve services and implement strategies to address unmet needs of patients.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Starting Pay

• Based on Experience Mileage
• Mileage is paid at federal rate
• On Call Pay, as necessary

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Medical specialties:

• Hospice & Palliative Medicine

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Social work: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: On the road

This position is located in Amana, Iowa and will require candidates to have a motor vehicle in working condition. Essence of Life Hospice serves patients within a 50 mile radius of Amana.

Essence of Life Hospice is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All offers of employment are conditioned upon the result of a criminal background check conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, as required by law.