Licensed Social Worker-Monday-Friday 8:00a-4:30p

Hospice of the Western Reserve•Cleveland, OH

About The Position

The Navigator Social Worker collaborates with the transdisciplinary team to provide or facilitate economic, social, and emotional support services for Navigator patients and their families. The role provides direct services, psychosocial consultation to agency personnel and team members, and referrals to outside agencies. The Social Worker maintains complete and accurate patient records in accordance with organizational documentation standards and applicable regulatory and licensure requirements. The position supports patients and families navigating advanced serious illness through psychosocial assessment, care planning, counseling, advocacy, grief support, care coordination, and access to internal and community resources. It also contributes to protocols, quality and outcome initiatives, staff orientation, education, outreach, and collaboration with community partners. The role is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and may require variable hours to meet patient and family needs. Reserve Care describes its purpose as relieving suffering, enhancing comfort, promoting quality of life, fostering choice in end-of-life care, and supporting effective grieving. The role is non-exempt. Employment conditions include compliance with the annual flu shot policy or provision of exemption documentation, active Ohio driver’s license and auto insurance meeting required coverage, proof of eligibility to work in the United States, and high integrity, ethics, and professionalism.

Requirements

Maintain a social work license required by the State of Ohio.
At least one year of social work experience within a recognized agency or healthcare organization.
Knowledge of hospice and palliative care clinical standards, policies, and procedures.
Ability to practice in accordance with HWR clinical standards, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of community and social service resources.
Ability to meet patient and family needs that require variable hours.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and community members at all levels.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Positive customer service responsiveness.
Flexibility, problem-solving skills, ability to prioritize, and healthy coping strategies.
Ability to provide own transportation.
Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and auto accident insurance at a level acceptable to Reserve Care and/or its insurer.
Provide an active auto insurance policy with the required level of coverage and an active driver’s license.
Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
High integrity, ethics, and professionalism.
Comply with the annual flu shot policy or provide exemption documentation.

Responsibilities

Interact with patients, families, caregivers, and employees courteously and professionally.
Participate in the Navigator Support service team and provide psychosocial support to patients and families.
Use professional skills to assist the team and facilitate patient and family meetings.
Help clarify treatment goals and plans of care with the team, physicians, staff, patients, and families.
Make arrangements as needed to support patient, family, and caregiver satisfaction.
Advocate for patients and oversee services in accordance with patient self-determination.
Assist patients and families with placement arrangements.
Facilitate formal and informal meetings concerning communication and decision-making.
Coordinate with hospital, hospice, and facility departments to support care coordination, discharge planning, and transitions to appropriate services; may help develop a care transition model.
Assess patient and family social, emotional, and economic circumstances and their capacity to cope with advanced serious illness.
Develop and implement plans of care based on psychosocial assessment and consultation with team members.
Provide counseling to patients and families experiencing emotional, social, or economic conflict.
Provide support and education related to anticipatory grief.
Document patient care according to established documentation standards.
Participate in developing and reviewing protocols and processes that support appropriate referrals and consistent care.
Follow organizational policies, procedures, regulatory and legal requirements, and the NASW Code of Ethics.
Contribute to measures of patient care outcomes, quality, and satisfaction.
Follow departmental and organizational protocols, provide service excellence, and remain within scope of practice.
Participate in internal and external individual, group, and organizational meetings to achieve desired outcomes.
Collaborate with the transdisciplinary team to provide patient- and family-oriented advanced illness management services.
Serve as a resource to staff and orient new staff as needed.
Collaborate with the finance team to evaluate and monitor insurance coverage and options, and assess patients’ and families’ ability to meet financial obligations.
Help patients, families, and staff acquire and use internal and community resources.
Offer appropriate resources and help activate them based on assessment of financial capacity.
Adjust to workload and schedule changes based on departmental and organizational priorities.
Assist the Team Leader with patient care services, education and outreach, quality improvement initiatives, and connections with community partners.