Hospice Social Worker

RiverStone Health•Billings, MT

10d

About The Position

The Hospice Social Worker provides individuals, families, and groups with psychosocial support through information, counseling, referrals, and other support services. The role provides health, wellness, psychological, and emotional support to hospice patients and their families, working collaboratively with other professionals and community resources. Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life for terminally ill patients and may be delivered in patients’ homes, nursing homes, or other facilities. The position performs intake and psychosocial assessments; advocates for patients; helps patients and families make informed decisions; coordinates and monitors care; provides individual and group counseling; and connects patients and families with community services. The role also maintains records, supports care-plan updates, and may investigate abuse or neglect and take authorized protective action. The position uses independent judgment within public health regulations and established medical practices, and its decisions affect the quality, efficiency, and cost of services. It requires ongoing communication with patients, families, colleagues, management, and community resources, as well as responsible handling of confidential medical and non-medical information. This is a part-time, non-exempt position scheduled Monday and Tuesday for eight hours each day and Wednesday for four hours. The role reports to the Senior Director of Hospice and has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Current Montana LMSW or LCSW license in good standing.
Two years of experience in a social services or public health field.
Equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the work.
Valid State of Montana driver’s license in good standing.
Obtain emergency preparedness training on the job.
BLS certification; may be obtained through RiverStone Health upon hiring.
Computer literacy in Microsoft Office Suite.
Knowledge of modern office procedures, practices, and equipment.
Knowledge and understanding of protected sensitive patient health information, HIPAA, and confidentiality.
Ability to remain calm and positive during difficult client interactions and demonstrate nonjudgmental, empathetic listening.
Strong attention to detail and effective problem-solving skills.
Ability to collaborate and maintain a positive work environment.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and customers.
Ability to prioritize and perform a wide range of tasks under pressure and frequent interruptions.
Ability to perform duties with integrity and innovation and maintain a high level of quality.
Ability to understand and adhere to administrative policies and procedures.
Ability to travel and use a personal vehicle; able to drive and safely observe road signs, traffic signals, and other vehicles.
Ability to meet the physical demands of standing, walking, sitting, speaking, hearing, using hands to handle objects or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.

Nice To Haves

Experience in hospice, home health, palliative care, long-term care, or medical social work.
Ability to supervise licensing candidates.

Responsibilities

Perform initial intake and psychosocial assessments.
Advocate for clients or patients and educate them about options and resources to support informed decisions.
Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate and assess patient needs.
Refer patients, clients, and families to community resources and services.
Use consultation data and social work experience to plan and coordinate care, and follow through to assess service effectiveness.
Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress against measurable treatment or care-plan goals.
Identify barriers to progress or care through interviews and record reviews.
Counsel clients and patients in individual and group sessions.
Organize support groups or counsel family members to help them understand and support patients.
Modify treatment plans to reflect changes in clients’ status.
Work collaboratively with others providing services to hospice patients.
Plan and conduct programs relevant to the field, such as counseling services.
Conduct social research to advance knowledge in the social work field.
Investigate abuse or neglect cases and take authorized protective action when necessary.
Coordinate social work-related paperwork and recordkeeping with other resource organizations.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of RiverStone Health’s mission and goals.
Manage time, equipment, and other resources needed to deliver services.
Maintain confidentiality of medical and non-medical information and adhere to administrative policies, procedures, and applicable safety requirements.