The Lifecare Institute - Hospice Clinical Social Worker

Greater Baltimore Medical Center•Annapolis, MD

43d

About The Position

Under general supervision, conducts assessments, develops and implements care plans, provides counseling and support to patients and their family (including children) around dying process, coping, and planning. Assesses needs and links to community resources. Integral member of the Interdisciplinary team.

Requirements

Master's degree in Social Work from a university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
One year of social work experience in a health care setting.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to effectively collaborate with interdisciplinary team in providing patient care
Ability to manage time well and perform assigned duties with attention to detail
Must possess professional image, positive attitude, enthusiasm, and self-motivation
Comfortable in maintaining professional boundaries
Strong self-awareness
Culturally humble, curious and open to learning about diverse backgrounds
Proficient computer skills
Knowledgeable about community resources as well as diligent in researching a wide array of resources including those related to financial benefits
Demonstrates empathy and compassion
Effective time management
Highly organized
Knowledge of self-care, personal boundaries; abilities, limits and inner resources
Analytical skills necessary to assess client needs, to establish a plan of care and to implement appropriate interventions
Ability to function independently and effectively anticipate needs and problems
Licensed in the State of Maryland as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical (LCSW-C). Advanced licensure for LMSWs is required within 3 years of the start date.
Valid driver's license, automobile insurance and reliable automobile
Maintain current licensure and certifications
Physical ability to drive in rural, suburban, and urban areas to access client homes for up to 50% of the workday and to access client homes by walking, climbing stairs, etc.

Nice To Haves

Previous hospice experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervises social work interns as assigned
LCSW-C Social Workers may supervise social workers with a LMSW as assigned
Conducts biopsychosocial assessments of the patient and family as the basis for care planning
Develops and maintains therapeutic relationships
Addresses the emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs of the patient and family related to the patient's illness, need for care, response to treatment and adjustment to care.
Provides individual and family counseling specific to the disease process, coping, and planning.
Provides psychosocial education to patients and their family members regarding coping strategies and techniques to manage stress, pain, and other symptoms of illness
Conducts a comprehensive needs assessment and assists patients and family members with referrals and linkage to services in the community
Supports the patient and their family through dying process
Assures that a patient's end of life wishes are met through education and helps to capture their wishes in legal documents such as MOLST and advanced directives
Assesses and addresses caregiving resources and needs
Conducts crisis intervention including suicide assessment and prevention
Conducts bereavement care and grief counseling, including anticipatory responses to and processing grief
Facilitates smooth transition from care environments
Assists with discharge planning
Participates in interdisciplinary group meetings
Participates on committees as appropriate or assigned
Educates staff during IDTs about mental health issues, family dynamics, or psychosocial factors impacting care.
Advises IDT members of the maintenance of appropriate and therapeutic boundaries
Debriefs difficult cases or deaths within the IDT
Participates in monthly or bimonthly structured peer case conferences or group therapy
Participates in supervision as dictated by the Board of Social Work Examiners regulations
Assists with orientation of new employees
Participates in the on-call rotation and provides after-hours and holiday coverage as specified by needs of the agency.
Identifies and reports abuse and neglect as mandated by law
Assures patient safety
Creates timely and accurate documentation
Adheres to Gilchrist standards and facilitates continuously improved processes and services
Adheres to high standards of personal and professional conduct