Medical Social Work - Hospice

Mercy Medical Center Home Health•Canton, OH

About The Position

The Medical Social Worker I - Hospice implements standards of care for medical social work services and adheres to the conditions in the Service or Employment Agreement. The company follows the state administrative rules defining the scope of practice for licensed MSW personnel; the social worker is responsible for all duties within that scope. The position serves hospice patients and their families or caregivers in Stark County and surrounding Summit County. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Requirements

At least one year of experience in health care; hospice experience is preferred.
Current Licensed Social Worker license in the state of employment.
Valid driver's license and auto insurance in the employee's own name.
Understand hospice philosophy and issues of death and dying.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and coworkers, and with a variety of people.
Ability to remain calm, patient, and accommodating.
Compassionate and caring approach when working with patients.
Knowledge of social work best practices.
Ability to make appropriate judgments and identify situations and handle them with an appropriate solution.
Detail-oriented and observant.
Disciplined work ethic; ability to prioritize, be timely, work efficiently, follow directions, and work as a team member.

Nice To Haves

Hospice experience.
Master of Social Work degree.

Responsibilities

Assess the psychosocial status of patients and families or caregivers in relation to the patient's terminal illness and environment.
Assess patients in their identified residence and assist with arranging another plan when the residence is not safe.
Conduct social evaluations and plan interventions based on evaluation findings.
Counsel patients and families or caregivers regarding stress and other identified coping difficulties as needed.
Maintain clinical records for patients referred to social work.
Provide information and referral services regarding practical and environmental needs.
Provide information to patients, families or caregivers, and community agencies.
Serve as a liaison between patients and families or caregivers and community agencies.
Maintain collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
Maintain and develop contacts with public and private agencies as resources for patients and personnel.
Participate in developing the plan of care and attend weekly case conferences.
Help physicians and other team members understand significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death and dying.
Participate in discharge planning when needed.
Assist patients and families or caregivers with securing durable power of attorney and making funeral arrangements as needed.
Perform other duties delegated by the Hospice Administrator.