Master of Social Work (MSW)-Hospice

Hospice-Master of Social Work(MSW)

STL County, West County, Jefferson County, Lincoln County

The medical social worker is responsible for providing the necessary social services assistance for the patient and their family.

1. Assesses need for counseling related to risk assessment for pathological grief.

2. Assesses emotional factors related to terminal illness. Assesses caregiver’s ability to function adequately. Assesses special needs related to cultural diversity including communication, space, role of family members and special traditions. Evaluates patient/family response to psychosocial interventions.

3. Assists the physician and other IDT/IDG members in recognizing and understanding the social/mental stress and/or disorder that exacerbates the symptoms related to terminal illness.

4. Assesses the patient/family psychosocial status, potential for risk of suicide and/or abuse or neglect. Identifies family dynamics and communication patterns.

5. Participates in the development and revision of the plan of care and provides all care according to physician orders. Involves the patient/family in the plan of care. Assesses environmental resources and obstacles to maintaining safety.

6. Provides social services including short-term individual counseling, crisis intervention, assistance in providing information and preparation of advance directives and funeral planning issues, and transfer of responsibilities regarding fiscal, legal and health care decisions.

7. Utilizes the medical record software system via laptop or agency desktop for patient documentation. Initiates documentation in the patient’s home on the laptop and completes after the visit.

8. Prepares clinical and progress notes. Submits notes according to agency policy.

9. Identifies and utilizes appropriate community resources and assesses patient/family ability to access them.

10. Educates patients and families related to social service issues, including long-term placement, financial issues, and funeral planning.

11. Identifies support systems available to reduce stress and facilitate coping with end-of-life care.

12. Evaluates for long-term care when appropriate and assesses ability to accept change in level of care. Communicates psychosocial information to inpatient facility when level of care is changed.

13. Identifies patient/family needs when discharged or when level of care changes.

14. Serves as liaison between patients or families and community agencies.

15. Participates in discharge planning.

16. Participates in Interdisciplinary Care Team Meetings and assists in developing and reviewing care plans, admissions and discharges.

17. Provides educational programs to staff and community.

18. Assesses bereavement needs.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• MSW from an accredited school of Social Work
• A current license in the state of practice (if required), with Experience in Social work in a health care setting. Prefer experience with the Medicare hospice program and participation in community agency activities.
• Must demonstrate basic knowledge of all procedures included in the social worker job description.
• Must have the ability to follow instructions from the physician, nursing supervisor and other professional staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively with managers, patients, families and co-workers.
• Must be able to assess safety of home situations for self, patients, and other staff members, including physical and psychological dangers.
• Must have the ability to effectively cope with patients, families and all others with varying backgrounds, socioeconomic conditions, and value judgments.
• Must have computer and excellent communication skills. Maintains confidentiality of information relating to the patient and family. Will discuss only those aspects necessary to the care and treatment of patient and family with those directly involved in the patient’s care.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Medical Specialty:

• Home Health
• Hospice & Palliative Medicine

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $65,000 - $80,000