Hospice Social Worker Seymour IN

St. Croix Hospice•Seymour, IN

10d

About The Position

The Licensed Social Worker implements standards of care for medical social work services and adheres to the conditions of the Service or Employment Agreement. The role assesses the psychosocial status of hospice patients and their families or caregivers in relation to the patient’s terminal illness and living environment, and communicates findings to the Registered Nurse and interdisciplinary care team. The social worker works under the supervision of a Masters Prepared Social Worker (MSW). The position provides social evaluations, counseling, crisis intervention, referrals, education, and assistance with practical, environmental, cultural, legal, financial, and health care decision-making needs. It contributes to individualized care planning and interdisciplinary meetings, maintains clinical records, and supports bereavement services for families and caregivers for 13 months after a patient’s death. The role also maintains confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA, participates in quality improvement activities, and keeps professional knowledge and skills current.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
State licensure in the state served.
At least one year of social work experience in a health care setting; the qualifications also specify a minimum of one year of health care experience.
Current CPR certification.
Ability to pass a DHS background study.
Good verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
Understanding of hospice philosophy and issues related to death and dying.
If driving: valid state driver’s license, automobile in good working order, automobile insurance meeting state and organizational requirements, and an acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in social work preferred.
Hospice experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess patients’ and families’ or caregivers’ psychosocial status in relation to terminal illness and environment, and communicate findings to the Registered Nurse and interdisciplinary care team.
Assess the patient’s identified residence and assist with an alternate plan when the residence is not safe.
Conduct social evaluations, including evaluation of family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, suicide risk, neglect, and abuse; plan interventions based on findings.
Counsel patients and families or caregivers regarding stress and coping difficulties, and provide crisis intervention when necessary.
Assess cultural needs and educate the interdisciplinary care team about relevant communication, family roles, space, traditions, and other considerations.
Maintain clinical records for patients referred to social work.
Educate patients and families and assist with preparation of advance directives.
Provide information and referrals regarding practical and environmental needs, and serve as a liaison to community agencies.
Maintain and develop contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patients and personnel.
Participate in developing individualized plans of care with patients and families, attend interdisciplinary group meetings, and help the team recognize how psychosocial stress affects terminal illness symptoms.
Help physicians and other team members understand significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death and dying.
Assist bereavement leadership with a program serving families and caregivers for 13 months following a patient’s death, including timely completion or assignment of the initial bereavement assessment.
Assist the Chaplain with condolence calls as needed and help maintain, organize, and update the bereavement support group schedule.
Assist patients and families with funeral arrangements and financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities.
Maintain compliance with HIPAA and treat patient information as confidential, using protected health information on a minimum-necessary basis.
Attend interdisciplinary group meetings and participate in quality assessment and performance improvement activities as assigned.
Pursue professional growth and maintain and upgrade knowledge and practice skills through continuing education and in-service classes.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.