Medical Social Worker

JOB SUMMARY

The Medical Social Worker, in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team (IDT), provides and facilitates attainment of economic, social, and emotional support services to hospice patients and their families / caregivers.         

PRINCIPLE FUNCTIONS include the following, other duties may be assigned:

1. Intake Assessment:

Provides initial and ongoing assessment of patient social services, mental and physical wellbeing needs in accordance with department practices, policies and physician orders including assessment / involvement with patient care givers and family.

1. Coaching / Counseling:

Based on assessed patient needs and applicable community resources, prepares a care plan for service, transitions, and direct patient care for their patients.

1. Plan of care / Transitions:

Meets with patient family / care giver to review care plan and discuss methods, challenges and resources to accomplish plan of care goals and appropriate timeline.

1. Quality Assurance:

Performs PDCA quality process with interdisciplinary team members, patient family, caregiver and adjust plan of care as needed.

1. Documentation:

Completes patient record documentation to include, but not limited to, HomeCare systems in a timely manner within department guidelines.

1. Social Service Resource:

Acts as a resource for the interdisciplinary team for social work concerns and community resources.

JOB KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited school of Social Work required.                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Training and Experience

• A minimum of one (1) year experience as a Medical Social Worker.
• Experience in a clinic setting / low-income population preferred.
• Knowledge of available community resources and ability to connect people with systems that provide resources, services and opportunities required.
• Must be able to work as an independent problem solver. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are imperative.                                                                          

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• BLS required.
• License as required by state to practice as a Social Worker:

• Minimum requirement is LASW (Licensed Advanced Social Worker), LSWAA (Licensed Social Worker Associate Advanced), or LCWAIC (Licensed Social Worker Associate Independent Clinical).

LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) also meets licensure requirement but exceeds minimum requirement. LICSW preferred.