Affinity Hospice
Job Title: Medical Social Worker
MASTER’s LEVEL
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
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
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