Careers At HospicePD
JOB DESCRIPTION
Medical Social Worker
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
Supervised by: Director of Patient Care Services/Clinical Supervisor/Medical Director Positions Supervised: N/A
Interrelationships: Patients, family, IDG and other health care team members
JOB SUMMARY:
The Medical Social Worker/Social Work Associate contracted or employed through the organization is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services and for adherence to all conditions in the Service or Employment Agreement.
JOB FACTORS:
Physical Requirements:
Requires minimal physical effort most of the day including kneeling, squatting, reaching, twisting, climbing, walking, exposure to temperature and humidity changes and minimal assist in lifting and/or transferring of a 20 pound patient. Must possess sight/hearing senses or use appropriate adaptive devices that will enable senses to function at a level required to meet the essential duties of the position. Must provide evidence of annual TB test and other state-required tests or examinations.
Mental Requirements:
Must be able to work independently, make judgments based on assessments and data available and act accordingly. Must be flexible, innovative and possess good interpersonal skills. Must be able to cope with mental and emotional stress and demonstrate emotional stability.
Working Conditions:
Be able to tolerate exposure to elements including, but not limited to, odors, blood, body fluids and excrements, adverse environmental conditions and hazardous materials.
Transportation:
Must have a current valid driver’s license, auto liability insurance and reliable transportation.
Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities
1. Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient’s terminal illness and environment and communicates findings to the registered nurse and other members of the interdisciplinary group. Provides an assessment in the patient’s identified residence and assistance when this is not safe and another plan is required.
2. Carries out social evaluations and plans intervention based on evaluation findings. Counsels patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties.
3. Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work.
4. Provides psychosocial and emotional support to the patient/family.
5. Provides information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.
6. Provides information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.
7. Facilitating appropriate community resources and providing casework.
8. Serves as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.
9. Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
10. Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel.
11. Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings.
12. Assists the interdisciplinary team (physician and other team members) in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues or terminal illness.
13. Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
14. Other duties as delegated by the Clinical Supervisor/Nursing Supervisor.
The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those stated in this description.
1. A graduate of a bachelor’s program in social work accredited by the Council on
Social Work Education for Social Work Associate. Meets personnel qualifications stated in
§418.114(b)(3).
2. A graduate of a Master’s program in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education for Medical Social Worker.
3. Minimum of one year’s experience in health care, hospice experience preferred. Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying.
4. Experience in a hospice care preferred.
5. Clinical experience relevant to the casework needs of patients and families for Social work Associate.
6. Clinical experience relevant to the psychosocial needs of patients and families for MSW.
7. Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
8. Possesses and maintains current CPR Certification.
9. All social work services personnel working with hospice patients and families shall have orientation and training appropriate to the needs of patients and family members.
10. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state/or organization requirements and is in good working order.