Bereavement Associate/Medical Social Worker

Lumina•Corvallis, OR

14d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position will primarily work within the Bereavement program and will also work in the capacity of Medical Social Worker. The Bereavement Associate provides both direct and indirect support to hospice and community bereavement clients, including counseling and group facilitation, in coordination with the Bereavement Coordinator. The Medical Social Worker collaborates with patients, families, the hospice team and other providers to identify and address psychosocial and practical needs related to a terminal or serious illness. This position may carry a patient case load based on organizational needs.

Requirements

Commitment to serving the needs of the terminally ill and the bereaved.
Masters of Social Work degree from an accredited School of Social Work and current LCSW, LMSW or CSWA issued by the Oregon State Board of Licensed Social Workers. CSWAs must be actively pursuing further licensure.
Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
Must be reliable, flexible and have the ability to work both independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
Strong organization skills, time management, and attention to detail.
Intermediate skills in email, word processing, internet, keyboarding, and the ability to learn to use medical software to complete accurate and timely charting is required.
Must have a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record and have access to a reliable automobile to travel to and from patient/clients’ homes as well as facilities and events.
Basic life support CPR card.

Nice To Haves

Bereavement Counseling certification preferred.
Hospice or Healthcare/Medical Social Work experience preferred.
Two years supervised social work experience that includes individual, family and/or group counseling and demonstrated knowledge of grief and loss theory and evidence-based interventions.
Bi-lingual, Spanish speaking ability preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintains standards of excellence in accordance with principles set forth by the profession of the Bereavement Coordinator and best practice guidelines for bereavement care.
Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary group (IDG) to formulate a bereavement plan of care for family members and/or other caregivers in consultation with other IDG members.
Implements an appropriate bereavement plan for assigned individuals, to include mailings, phone calls and individual counseling, as indicated by bereavement risk assessment.
Plans, implements, and evaluates bereavement support groups and community events.
Provides community bereaved consultation and counseling.
Trains and supervises bereavement volunteers; participates in evaluation of bereavement volunteers.
Assists with program development.
Maintains responsibility for patients’ bereavement records in accordance with Lumina’s record retention policies.
Maintains the standards of Social Work excellence in accordance with principles set forth by the profession, NASW Code of Ethics, and best practice guidelines for hospice and palliative care.
Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary group (IDG) to formulate a plan of care for patient/family and/or other caregivers in consultation with other IDG members. Observes, evaluates, and brings to team conferences information regarding psychosocial, spiritual, physical, and financial conditions affecting the patient and family.
Assesses, evaluates, and regularly reevaluates needs of the patient and family.
Provides counseling to the patient and caregivers related to end-of-life issues.
Educates patient and caregivers on grief issues and coping skills.
Assists patients and their families in utilizing relevant community resources and coordinates social services with other community agencies.
Assists patients and families in making choices that best meet their needs by providing alternatives and support.
Collaborates professionally with other health care providers, including the patient’s physician and care facilities to ensure optimal care for the patient.
Develops, implements, and evaluates educational programs for families, staff, and the community.
Participates in the orientation, training and support of hospice staff, as appropriate.
Provides all services in full compliance with Medicare regulations. Documents all patient/family contacts and interventions and maintains accurate and up-to-date patient records and care plan including observations and reports of patient’s eligibility for the Medicare Hospice Benefit.
Completes documentation at the time of visit or as soon as possible following the visit. All documentation must be completed within 24 hours.
Completes all assigned education modules and maintains knowledge and skills important to their role, including knowledge of organizational policies and information presented at agency meetings and in-services.
Independently completes continuing education as required by professional licensure.
Effectively accesses and utilizes agency resources including agency databases, software, electronic devices and web-based programs.
Assists the public with referrals to Lumina Hospice Service and/or community resources. Communicates positively in the community about Lumina’s mission, services, vision and values.
Contributes to communication, positive work environment, and team effort.
Serves as assigned on agency-wide initiatives and/or committees.
Participates in Quality and Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities.
Understands and adheres to Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care Privacy Policy; Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care Vulnerable Persons Policy; and all policies and procedures contained in the Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care Employee Handbook
Expected to act as a mandatory reporter of suspected elderly and/or child abuse.
Performs other duties as assigned.