Licensed Clinical Social Worker -Palliative Care - Full-Time

Job Summary :

A Social Worker, LCSW with a masters in social work, employed by Erlanger Medical Center to provide counseling services to Erlanger Palliative Care patients both inpatient and outpatient.

This position is involved in a team-based approach to care. Team members are trained to meet the highest level of function for their role as per the State of Tennessee / Georgia guidelines. Is trained and assigned (as per their role and responsibilities) to coordinate care for patients and is trained and assigned to support patients / families / caregivers in self-management, self-efficacy and behavior change. Is trained and assigned (as per their role and responsibilities) to manage the practices' patient population. Participates in the practice's quality improvement process and performance evaluation.

Education :

Required : Master's Degree in Social Work and has passed a state licensing exam

Preferred : Experience :

Required : A minimum of 2 years' experience in counseling / therapy. Above average ability to use sound clinical judgment and communicate clearly in both written and verbal formats. Willingness to address opportunities for improvement. Ability to be extremely self directed and able to communicate effectively with professional staff across many disciplines and programs. Ability to provide both brief and comprehensive psychiatric assessments.

Preferred : Knowledge of psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, developmental, and systems theory; experience conducting group, individual and family therapy using a variety of accepted modalities; experience conducting support groups; ability to compose and present psycho-educational lectures; knowledge of current DSMV-TR terminology, with ability to effectively formulate cases in diagnostic terms. Familiarity with regulatory and insurance reimbursement issues preferred. Ability to speak Spanish would be ideal.

Position Requirement(s) : License / Certification / Registration

Required : Clinical Social Worker licensed by the State of Tennessee

Preferred : Experience :

The Social Worker, LCSW will provide direct patient care through brief and comprehensive assessments, development and implementation of treatment plans, individual, family therapy, and sometimes group therapy. The Social Worker will also work with the MD and palliative care team to provide comprehensive services to patients as well as promote a milieu of harmony, trust, learning and growth. He / she communicates and documents clearly and completely, shares expertise with others and demonstrates an understanding of the need to foster performance improvement while achieving patient / client satisfaction and practice efficiency. Understands and advocates the value and benefits of a palliative / psychiatric care and continuity of care as part of a system of care.

The employee must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the dynamic of the patients served at the palliative care clinic. The individual must demonstrate knowledge and respect of cultural differences and posses the ability to assess data reflective of the patients requirements relative to his or her age-specific / cultural / social needs and to provide the care needed as described in the units policies and procedures. Must demonstrate compassion and knowledge of addiction, with a desire to educate / intervene to promote wellness.

Performs brief psychiatric assessments of palliative care patients when needed and gives feedback to other practitioners regarding recommendations for follow-up care / treatment. Performs brief, targeted psychotherapy to appropriate palliative care patients to promote change. Assesses, plans, coordinates, and monitors and evaluates depression screens and follow up care to assure quality outcomes. Maintains adherence to department standards. Takes responsibility for departmental and organization objectives. Assists MD in overall management of palliative care patients to provide comprehensive care / support to patients in need.