Family Support Specialist

community care of wny•Allegany, NY

10d

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Clinical Support Services Manager or a Licensed Social Worker, the Family Support Specialist provides direct and supportive social services to patients and families and consults with hospice and home care program staff in accordance with established policies and procedures. The role supports patients and families through illness, death, and bereavement, and involves care planning, counseling, case management, coordination with community agencies, and participation in interdisciplinary care processes. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for 35 hours per week, with no weekends or major holidays. The position is classified as Exposure Category II. Additional duties may be assigned as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Administrator/CEO.

Requirements

A baccalaureate degree in Social Work from a prescribed course of study accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and one year of full-time, paid experience in social work; or a bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field and two years of full-time, paid experience in social work.
Demonstrated organizational and supervisory skills.
Effective oral and written communication abilities.
Acceptable driver’s license and access to an automobile with current insurance.
Computer literacy.
Availability by phone.

Nice To Haves

Experience with terminally ill patients and families is preferred.

Responsibilities

Establish plans of care and objectives for patients, families, and clients in consultation with a licensed social worker supervisor.
Provide counseling and/or case management in accordance with care plans, addressing social, financial, emotional, and crisis-intervention needs as appropriate.
Help interdisciplinary team members understand significant social and emotional factors affecting patients and families during illness, death, and bereavement.
Participate in discussions and revisions of patient, family, and client care plans at interdisciplinary and interagency meetings.
Participate in orientation, training, and coordination of volunteers and aides, including bereavement volunteers.
Liaise with social and community agencies and coordinate social work services to maximize effectiveness and avoid duplication with contracting and cooperating services.
Lead support groups and/or provide emotional support and counseling to hospice team members as needed.
Prepare required reports and documentation in a timely manner to enable supervisory review.
Reflect organizational values in daily work.
Serve on agency committees as assigned.
Report wrongdoing or violations of agency policies and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations to the immediate supervisor or identified compliance officer.
Complete all mandatory in-service education programs and any other minimum required in-service hours.
Perform other duties assigned as necessary and appropriate by the Administrator/CEO.