Hospice Social Worker - MSW, LCSW

Tufts Medicine • Lowell, MA

5d • $72,372 - $90,465

About The Position

Provides clinical social work services to patients or clients and families in inpatient, ambulatory, and community settings, using individual, family, or group modalities and following professional social work ethics and standards. Works as part of a multidisciplinary team, participates in case conferences, and consults with agency care providers about social service needs. The role includes psychosocial assessment, treatment planning, counseling, resource coordination, advocacy, and discharge planning for patients and families. The position also contributes to policy and program development, quality improvement, education, and supervision as required.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); New Hampshire licensure may be required depending on assigned territory and operational need.
• One year of related experience.
• Knowledge of casework processes and community resources related to health, mental health, illness, and disability.
• Knowledge of current social work theory and practice, treatment and case management methods, and community issues and resources.
• Understanding of organizational theory and practice in large systems and knowledge of social and health care policies and systems.
• Strong diagnostic, treatment, interpersonal, organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to assess patient needs, develop appropriate treatment modalities, and provide effective counseling.
• Computer proficiency with general office, spreadsheet, database, and presentation programs, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Ability to function effectively in very busy situations; responsible, reliable, and well organized.
• Ability to provide care across the life span with consideration of aging, human development stages, and cultural patterns.

Nice To Haves

• Three years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychosocial assessments of individuals and families, including their strengths, limitations, environment, and functional level; develop treatment plans and interventions.
• Assess and intervene in crisis situations involving issues such as suicide, homicide, family violence, and elder or child abuse.
• Assess long-term care needs, evaluate home and family situations, help develop in-home care plans, explore alternatives, and arrange placement when necessary.
• Provide treatment, therapy, psychoeducation, and counseling using individual, family, or group modalities.
• Provide information, referrals, and resource acquisition for patients and families, and help them address psychosocial barriers to using hospital and community resources.
• Collaborate with the health care team, provide psychosocial consultation, identify issues that may impede progress, and recommend care and management approaches that support informed decisions.
• Provide short-term medical social services to a patient's family member or caregiver when needed to remove a clear impediment to the patient's treatment or recovery.
• Treat patients and families with dignity and respect, communicate with empathy, and make time for questions and answers.
• Conduct outreach and case finding or screening for high-risk issues that may affect patient progress, participation in the care plan, discharge, or resource use.
• Assist with discharge planning and coordinate and implement psychosocial components of outpatient care.
• Consult and communicate with social, governmental, and legal agencies, courts, schools, clinics, hospitals, physicians, and other sources.
• Advocate for patients and families within internal and external systems; may testify in court.
• Complete clinical documentation according to departmental standards and maintain other administrative records, reports, and forms in a timely manner.
• Initiate and support policy and program development in the service area and Department of Social Work Services, promoting social work values such as patient self-determination and social justice.
• Participate in Department meetings, programs, activities, and committees, and represent the profession and Department in hospital and community meetings.
• Participate in professional education, supervision, and teaching; supervise or train staff, interns, clinicians, and volunteers as required.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues to support team goals and a positive work environment.
• Monitor and modify social work practice and programs; conduct quality improvement activities and research on service delivery and intervention effectiveness as required.
• Participate in professional organizations, grant writing, teaching, presentations, seminars, and workshops; recommend service delivery and program improvements to the Director of Social Work Services.
• Comply with regulatory requirements, agency policies and procedures, confidentiality principles, and HIPAA/HITECH guidelines.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits starting day one
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support, including MedBridge access for PT CEUs and licensure or certification support
• Career growth opportunities
• Fleet car program
• AVADE de-escalation and self-safety training
• InvisaWear GPS-enabled safety devices
• Escort services to support staff safety in the field

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level