Palliative Care Social Worker

JOB SUMMARY 

The Palliative Care Social Worker will be responsible for providing comprehensive assessment of the social, emotional, and practical needs primarily to patients and families residing in private residences and facilities who are in the LCFL Palliative Care Program. The responsibilities of the position will include introduction and education regarding Palliative Care and Hospice services; Counseling and psychoeducation to patients and families with advanced/chronic disease about illness and treatment processes, and goals of care; Assessment and counseling related to patients and caregivers regarding coping skills and non-pharmacological pain management; Facilitates advance care planning, community resource planning/linkage, and discharge planning when requested; Collaborating with LCFL team members and community staff regarding resource and continuity of care needs; And functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team of care. The Palliative Care Social Worker is responsible for continuing his/her own professional development to enhance practice. The Chief Medical Officer provides oversight of this position.  Performs other duties as assigned. 

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES 

1. Performs bio-psychosocial assessment to patients and families to identify emotional, social, spiritual, financial, and environmental strengths/stressors related to their diagnosis, illness, treatment, and life situation. 
2. Conducts supportive counseling and problem-solving skills within the scope of degree/license to address issues related to chronic/terminal illness. Facilitates goals-of-care meetings or 1:1 counseling sessions/visits to address immediate needs/concerns.
3. Works collaboratively with palliative care team in identifying and achieving patient care goals. Contributes as a team member to identify needs for the plan of care. Coordinates care with other LCFL staff, hospital providers/staff, and external agency staff, and in compliance with agency policies and procedures. 
4. Maintains working knowledge of community resources. Provide education to the patient, families, and staff members about how to access and utilize community services and benefit programs, particularly palliative and hospice care, and provides education to patients, families, and external agencies about palliative care services and role. Makes referrals to resources as necessary.

1. Annually attends/participates in continuing development to enhance professional practice.
2. Appropriately communicates information in accordance with LCFL policies and procedures.
3. Organizes and performs work effectively and efficiently.
4. Maintains and adjusts schedule to enhance program performance.
5. Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations in dealing with all members of the team.
6. Maintains and promotes customer satisfaction.
7. Effectively demonstrates the mission, vision, and values of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare daily.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS 

1.Education: MSW from a CSWE accredited School of Social Work. 

2.Licensure / Certifications: Clinical social work license required. 

3.Experience: At least two years of professional social work experience, preferably in a health care setting.