MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER JOB DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree from a social work curriculum accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Must have at least two years of experience working with geriatric population. Two years hospice experience is preferred. Must have strong communication skills and the ability to relate positively to others. Must have the ability to work with fellow employees and volunteers. Must be effective in working with different levels of health care providers, and able to express the hospice concept to families, patients, community, volunteers, staff and other professionals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Medical Social Worker works as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team to:

● Assess the psychosocial/spiritual needs of patient/family.

● Assess the safety needs of the patient and notify Care Manager of any concerns immediately.

● Assess for signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect and notify Care Manager of any concerns immediately

● Evaluate patient insurance coverage and financial status and refer to appropriate agencies for assistance.

● Provide social service activities as related to terminally ill patients and their families, including planning, treatment and consultation with other staff.

● Assist in the development and implementation of the patient/family Plan of Care.

● Participate with Self-Managed Care Teams to provide support and education for patient/families based on the hospice philosophy of care.

● Participate in IDT meetings and keep team members informed of changes in patient/family psych social POC.

● Provide counseling to patients/families and hospice staff as needed.

● Relate positively to various types of personalities and family dynamics, and deal effectively with angry, hostile, or grief reactions.

● Make referrals to community resources as appropriate to meet patient/family needs.

● Participate in bereavement follow-up services as required.

● Maintain adequate, complete and timely records of all activities and services provided to patients/families.

● Assist in the development of support groups and other special programs as necessary.

● Assist in the orientation and training of volunteers, staff, physicians and community members as requested.

● Implements practices that ensures Family Satisfaction measures exceed national benchmarks

● Participate in QAPI programs.

PROFESSIONALISM

● Ensures a patient centered culture through CARE (Compassion, Advocate, Respect, and Educate).

● Work as a team member to fulfill all aspects of Our Gold Standards on a daily basis.

● Providing a positive image of the Hospice at all times.

● Adheres to all HIPPA, HITECH, EPHI and company policies and procedures regarding patient protected information.

SUPERVISION

Social workers with a Bachelors will be supervised by qualified individual with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. MSW will assess BSW’s completion of all the responsibilities listed above on a regular basis (minimally monthly) thru documentation review and IDT attendance and documentation of such will be put in the BSW’s chart. MSW will have input in BSW performance evaluations and may do supervisory visits as needed.

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

Hospice will provide orientation and training on Hospice philosophy and procedures as necessary, to assist the Medical Social Worker in performing the responsibilities listed above. Training may be in-house, or outside seminars. Evidence of orientation and training will become part of the personnel file.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Job requires the ability to:

• Access patients’ residence and all rooms therein

• Reliable transportation

• Communicate effectively with patient/families both verbally and written

• Communicate the mission and vision of the hospice

ON CALL

The Medical Social Worker may be required to take call per a rotating schedule.

WORK CONDITIONS

May require sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time. Some driving/travel required.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports directly to the Director of Clinical Services/Executive Director