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Social Worker Hospice LMSW

Affinity Hospice

Social Worker Hospice LMSW

Birmingham, AL
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Affinity Hospice

    Job Title: Medical Social Worker

    MASTER’s LEVEL LICENSE

    Division: Hospice

    Report to: Clinical Director

    Classification: Exempt

    Position Overview

    The medical social worker is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services and as defined by the state Medical Social Work Practice Act.

    Essential Job Functions

    Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language

    Must be able to sit, stand, bend, lift and move intermittently throughout the work day

    Must have reliable transportation to travel to patient homes per patient schedule and agency needs, as appropriate

    Using effective body mechanics, must be able to lift minimum 25 lbs. floor to waist; lift minimum10 lbs. waist to shoulder; lift and carry minimum 20 lbs.; and push/pull minimum 40 lbs.; using visual acuity and hearing to perform MSW duties

    Must be able to document and chart appropriately and within specific time frames

    Must practice regular and dependable attendance per company policy and procedure

    Must be able to communicated and function in an interdisciplinary team

    Must be able to follow physician orders and social work care plans for patients

    Must be able to perform a social assessment and develop a care plan which identifies medically-related social and emotional problems and needs with realistic goals and specific actions to be taken

    Must be able to act as a patient advocate and provide education to staff regarding patient rights, social/economic factors impeding patient/caregiver ability to follow treatment plan

    Must be able to assist patients and families through counseling, education, financial planning assistance, liaison with community agencies, etc.

    Specific Requirements

    Must have excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

    Must be competent in standard Microsoft Office applications, email and internet

    Must be knowledgeable of social work practices and procedures based on state practice acts

    Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action

    Must possess the ability to work harmoniously with professional and non-professional personnel

    Must understand and follow company policies and procedures, including harassment and complaint policies and procedures

    Must have a valid driver’s license and auto liability insurance with automobile in good working condition

    Must be able to concentrate and use reasoning skills and good judgment

    Must practice regular and dependable attendance

    Education and Experience

    Graduate of a master’s program in social work accredited by the Council on Social

    Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

    Work Education

    Minimum of one (1) year's experience in health care

    Experience in a hospice care preferred

    Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills

    Possesses and maintains current CPR certification

    Licensed driver with automobile that is in good working order and insured in accordance with the organization requirements

    Working Conditions

    Will work in and travel to patient homes as well as agency office

    Sits, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during working hours

    Subject to frequent interruptions

    Attends and participates in continuing education programs

    Possible exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc. including exposure to the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses

    Subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients, family members, caregivers, etc.

    May work beyond normal working hours, weekends, and holidays as needed and in other positions temporarily as necessary

    Involved with patients, associates, caregivers, government agencies/personnel, etc. under various circumstances

    General Responsibilities

    Provide leadership and support to social service team

    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

    Carries out social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high-risks for suicide, neglect or abuse and plans intervention based on evaluation findings. Counsels patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties. Provides crisis intervention when necessary

    Assesses for, and educates interdisciplinary group, on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family. Includes communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos

    Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work prepares clinical and progress notes

    Educates patients and families on, and assists in, preparation of advanced directives

    Provides information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs

    Provides information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies

    Serves as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies

    Maintains collaborative relationships with organization associate to support patient care

    Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and associate

    Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the team in recognizing the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness

    Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues

    Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities

    Assists family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities