SOCIAL WORKER

JOB SUMMARY                                                                                                         

The Medical Social Worker provides psychosocial support and counseling for patients and families on the Hospice program of care.  The Social Worker prepares social histories, contributes to the development of the plan of care, makes referrals, aids in the referral process to other agencies, and offers consultation to the agency.

The Social Worker supports and fosters the philosophy and mission of the organization.  The Social Worker understands the culture of hospice, offering compassionate care to the patient and family at various stages of their illness.  This position works collaboratively with all interdisciplinary team members to ensure patient and family needs are met.

Reports to:       Director of Counseling Services

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A Medical Social Worker with a Master’s Degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council of Social Work Education
2. Minimum of one (1) year’s experience in a health care setting
3. Active Connecticut license/Working toward meeting requirements with LCSW supervision

JOB DUTIES: 

The following description of job responsibilities and standards is intended to reflect the major responsibilities and duties of the job, but is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities that may be assigned from time to time.

TASKS:

1. Provides comprehensive social work services to patients and families.
2. Prepares a comprehensive psychosocial assessment of patient and family, including assessment of the illness and environment within 5 days of admission unless family declines.
3. Provides patient and family counseling services that are consistent with the established plan of care and medical supervision including bereavement counseling in situations determined to be high risk.
4. Secures patient’s and family’s understanding regarding hospice program.
5. Ensures that patient and family understand their responsibilities as outlined in the plan of care.
6. Prepares a social work plan of care and submits it to the primary physician upon initial visit and every 60 days thereafter. or when there is a change in plan of care
7. Assists patients and families in obtaining aid for social, economic, and emotional problems.
8. Refers patient and family to other community agencies as needed.
9. Keeps all records and documentation in accordance with agency policies.
10. Offers assistance in obtaining third party reimbursement for Hospice services, demonstrating familiarity with private insurance coverage, Medicare home care, Medicare Hospice Benefit, Medicaid, and other programs.
11. Participates in developing the patient care plan, including discharge planning as appropriate.
12. Collaborates with the members of the Interdisciplinary Team to develop a comprehensive plan of care and goals. Plan of care is reviewed and revised throughout the course of service to assure appropriate response to the patient’s and family’s changing needs.
13. Interprets social resources to clinical staff.
14. Provides guidance, counsel, and instruction to agency staff regarding the social, economic, and psychological needs of patients and families.
15. Assists staff in clarifying their own reactions to individual patients and suggests approaches for handling situations.
16. Provides consultation to agency staff regarding the social and emotional needs of terminally ill patients and families. 
17. Makes recommendations for interventions in individual cases.
18. Develops open communication and working relationships with other area health providers.
19. Provides in-service training to agency staff as directed.
20. Is aware of and adheres to agency policy regarding recognizing and reporting of patient abuse or neglect.
21. Abides by the agency policy regarding drug diversion and reports any concerns regarding medication to supervisor immediately.
22. Performs other duties as directed by the Director of Counseling Services.