Hospice Social Worker (MSW)

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARYThe MSW is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services provided to hospice patients and their families. Medical Social Workers are core members of the Interdisciplinary Group and provide psychosocial support to the patient/family unit based on the initial and ongoing assessment of needs and identified goals, interventions and services indicated. Services are provided in accordance with the established plan of care and utilize professional training and judgment in monitoring the psychosocial process.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIESAssess the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment and communicate findings to the registered nurse and other members of the interdisciplinary group. Provide an assessment in the patient's identified residence and assistance when this is not safe and another plan is required.Carry out social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high risks for suicide, neglect or abuse and plan intervention based on evaluation findings. Counsel patient and family/caregivers as needed regarding stress and other identified coping difficulties. Provide crisis intervention when necessary.Assess for and educate the interdisciplinary group on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family, including communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos.Educate patients and families on, and assist in, preparation of advanced directives.Participate in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attend regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the team in recognizing the effects of psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness.Assist physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.Assist family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities.CommunicationComplete, maintain and submit accurate and relevant clinical notes regarding patient's condition and care given. Record changes/outcomes as appropriate.Communicate with the physician regarding the patient's needs and report changes in the patient's condition; obtain/receive physicians' orders as required.Communicate with community health related persons to coordinate the care plan.Provide information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.Provide information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.Serve as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.Maintain collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.Maintain and develop contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel.As a mandatory reporter, report failure to comply with the requirements of chapters 246- 335 WAC and 70.127 RCW to the Washington Department of Health as required within 14 calendar days, using Department of Health forms.Report suspected abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a person in violation of RCW 74.34.020 or 26.44.030 to the department of social and health services and the proper law enforcement agency. Reports must be submitted immediately when the reporting person has reasonable cause to believe that abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a vulnerable adult has occurred.Teach the patient and family/caregiver coping techniques as appropriate. Work in concert with the interdisciplinary group.Provide and maintain a safe environment for the patient.Assist the patient and family/caregiver and other team members in providing continuity of care.Work in cooperation with the family/caregiver and hospice interdisciplinary group to meet the emotional needs of the patient and family/caregiver.Attend interdisciplinary group meetings.Additional DutiesParticipate in on-call duties as defined by the on-call policy.Assist and support the RN Case Manager to ensure that arrangements for equipment and other necessary items and services are available.Assume responsibility for personal growth and development and maintain and upgrade professional knowledge and practice skills through attendance and participation in continuing education and inservice classes.Fulfill the obligation of requested and/or accepted case assignments.Actively participate in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.Other duties as delegated.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.POSITION QUALIFICATIONSA graduate of a Master's program in Social Work (MSW) from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.Minimum of one (1) year experience in health care, hospice experience preferred. Understand hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying.Experience in hospice care preferred.Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.Once an offer of employment is made, it is contingent upon satisfactory references, as requested, and criminal background checks by regulation.Prolonged or considerable walking or standing. Visual acuity and hearing to perform required social work skills.Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state/or organization requirements and is in good working order.#J-18808-Ljbffr

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARYThe MSW is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services provided to hospice patients and their families. Medical Social Workers are core members of the Interdisciplinary Group and provide psychosocial support to the patient/family unit based on the initial and ongoing assessment of needs and identified goals, interventions and services indicated. Services are provided in accordance with the established plan of care and utilize professional training and judgment in monitoring the psychosocial process.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIESAssess the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment and communicate findings to the registered nurse and other members of the interdisciplinary group. Provide an assessment in the patient's identified residence and assistance when this is not safe and another plan is required.Carry out social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high risks for suicide, neglect or abuse and plan intervention based on evaluation findings. Counsel patient and family/caregivers as needed regarding stress and other identified coping difficulties. Provide crisis intervention when necessary.Assess for and educate the interdisciplinary group on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family, including communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos.Educate patients and families on, and assist in, preparation of advanced directives.Participate in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attend regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the team in recognizing the effects of psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness.Assist physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.Assist family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities.CommunicationComplete, maintain and submit accurate and relevant clinical notes regarding patient's condition and care given. Record changes/outcomes as appropriate.Communicate with the physician regarding the patient's needs and report changes in the patient's condition; obtain/receive physicians' orders as required.Communicate with community health related persons to coordinate the care plan.Provide information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.Provide information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.Serve as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.Maintain collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.Maintain and develop contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel.As a mandatory reporter, report failure to comply with the requirements of chapters 246- 335 WAC and 70.127 RCW to the Washington Department of Health as required within 14 calendar days, using Department of Health forms.Report suspected abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a person in violation of RCW 74.34.020 or 26.44.030 to the department of social and health services and the proper law enforcement agency. Reports must be submitted immediately when the reporting person has reasonable cause to believe that abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a vulnerable adult has occurred.Teach the patient and family/caregiver coping techniques as appropriate. Work in concert with the interdisciplinary group.Provide and maintain a safe environment for the patient.Assist the patient and family/caregiver and other team members in providing continuity of care.Work in cooperation with the family/caregiver and hospice interdisciplinary group to meet the emotional needs of the patient and family/caregiver.Attend interdisciplinary group meetings.Additional DutiesParticipate in on-call duties as defined by the on-call policy.Assist and support the RN Case Manager to ensure that arrangements for equipment and other necessary items and services are available.Assume responsibility for personal growth and development and maintain and upgrade professional knowledge and practice skills through attendance and participation in continuing education and inservice classes.Fulfill the obligation of requested and/or accepted case assignments.Actively participate in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.Other duties as delegated.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.POSITION QUALIFICATIONSA graduate of a Master's program in Social Work (MSW) from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.Minimum of one (1) year experience in health care, hospice experience preferred. Understand hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying.Experience in hospice care preferred.Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.Once an offer of employment is made, it is contingent upon satisfactory references, as requested, and criminal background checks by regulation.Prolonged or considerable walking or standing. Visual acuity and hearing to perform required social work skills.Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state/or organization requirements and is in good working order.#J-18808-Ljbffr

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