Licensed Social Worker- Palliative Care Clinic- Full Time

Ochsner Health • Kenner, LA

3d

About The Position

The Licensed Social Worker engages in advanced clinical social work practice in a medical setting, applying social work theory, knowledge, ethics, and methods to restore or enhance the social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The role applies specialized clinical knowledge and advanced skills in prevention, assessment, and treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral, and addictive disorders; participates in multidisciplinary treatment planning; and coordinates and implements complex discharge plans using company and community-based services.

The position requires a Master’s in Social Work and a current Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license in the state of practice, authorizing independent practice. The social worker assesses patients, supports care planning, connects patients and families with resources, and maintains records while communicating critical information to the medical team. The role participates in an on-call rotation and requires the ability to travel between facilities and work a flexible schedule, potentially including weekends, holidays, and on-call availability.

The work is in a healthcare setting and may involve patients with known or suspected communicable diseases, including entry into isolation rooms. Occupational exposure to hazardous medications or waste may also occur. The job is classified as Medium Work, with the stated lifting and force requirements.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work (MSW).
• Five years of related experience.
• Current Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license in the state of practice and ability to engage in independent practice.
• Good knowledge of common diseases and disorders and medical terminology to understand patients’ and families’ acute and ongoing needs.
• Excellent psychotherapeutic skills.
• Superior interpersonal skills for effective and courteous interactions with patients, families, multidisciplinary team members, departmental peers, and community agency personnel.
• Advanced knowledge of acute and chronic care medical settings, medical terminology, and the psychosocial and economic effects of illness or trauma on patients and their support systems.
• Advanced knowledge of managed care and public programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and commercial insurance plans.
• Proficiency with computers, software, and web-based applications.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and professionally to people at varying levels throughout the patient care process.
• Ability to travel throughout and between facilities and work a flexible schedule, potentially including 24/7 availability, weekends, holidays, and on-call work.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of Medium Work: exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a medical social work field.

Responsibilities

• Interview and assess patients and assist throughout the patient care plan.
• Identify and provide helpful resources to patients and families.
• Maintain patient records and documents, and communicate critical information to the medical team.
• Participate in an on-call rotation.
• Adapt behavior to the patient population, including respecting privacy, adapting introductions and explanations, requesting permissions, and adjusting communication style.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all policies and standards.
• Remain knowledgeable about applicable federal, state, and local laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements, and ensure compliance.
• Report known or suspected unethical or questionable conduct and patient or employee safety, privacy, or other compliance-related concerns.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior