What are the responsibilities and job description for the Palliative Care Licensed Clinical Social Worker position at Salinas Valley Health Clinics?
Job Description
Job Description
SUMMARY
The Palliative Care LCSW provides emotional, psychological, and social support to patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses and their families. Their primary role is to help individuals navigate the complex challenges that come with serious illness, including end-of-life care, by offering counseling, facilitating communication, and helping with decision-making. They work as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure that the patient's emotional and social needs are met, advocating for the patient and their family within the healthcare system.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Includes but not limited to the following :
- Providing counseling and emotional support to patients and families, helping them cope with the emotional, social, and psychological impact of illness.
- Facilitating communication between the healthcare team, patients, and families to ensure that care goals are understood and aligned.
- Supporting advance care planning, including helping patients and families make informed decisions about treatment options, and discussing issues like living wills, power of attorney, and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders.
- Crisis intervention, including managing situations where patients or families are experiencing significant distress or anxiety.
- Assessing family dynamics and providing referrals for additional services, such as grief counseling, financial assistance, or support groups.
- Educating and supporting family members, helping them understand the stages of illness, caregiving, and bereavement.
- Advocating for the patient’s psychosocial needs within the broader healthcare system, ensuring they receive the appropriate resources and care.
- Adheres to all department / facility policies.
- Must behave ethically and professionally.
EDUCATION and / or EXPERIENCE
QUALIFICATIONS
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
KNOWLEDGE