My commitment will include:

Verifying the Interdisciplinary Plan of Care prior to each visit and providing care according to delegation by the nurse, physician’s orders, assessment data, and established standards and guidelines.

Incorporating patient care goals, established in the Interdisciplinary Plan of Care, into nursing visits as evidenced by documentation on the electronic skilled nursing note.

Communicating significant findings, problems and changes in condition or environment to the nurse, physician, facility and/or other personnel involved with patient care.

Implementing the plan for patient safety, using the patient, family, facility and community resources.

Continually assessing patient needs and obtain data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family/caregiver health status.

Demonstrating proficiency in phlebotomy skills, including implementation of universal precautions and safe handling of sharps.

Demonstrating safe and effective use of various durable medical equipment and other medical devices.

Participating in nursing facility care conferences for appropriate patient discussion, consultation and evaluation.

Qualifications:

Education: Master’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work approved by the Council of Social Work Education.

Licensure: Current State License as a Medical Social Worker.

Experience: A demonstrated ability in casework, counseling and group work, including two years of clinical work experience, preferably in either a healthcare setting or hospice.

Skills: Social work skills as defined as generally accepted social work standards. Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong interpersonal skills. Knowledge of community and community resources. Knowledge and understanding of hospice philosophy and regulations. Ability to work independently.

Transportation: Reliable transportation.

The Hospice Medical Social Worker provides skilled social services to patients and their families on an intermittent basis in the patient’s home or facility. The Hospice Medical Social Worker provides psychosocial evaluations, ongoing psychosocial counseling, direct casework services, bereavement services, and community education outreach.