Medical Social Worker - Hospice

Summa Health At Home and Hospice•Akron, OH

About The Position

Our culture and people are what set us apart from other post-acute care providers. We’re dedicated to the growth and development of our team to set them up for success. We CARE for our patients like they are our own FAMILY. The Medical Social Worker, Hospice is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services and for adherence to all conditions in the Service or Employment Agreement. The Company adopts the social work scope of practice as outlined in the administrative rules of the state for its licensed MSW personnel. The MSW is responsible for any and all practices and duties within the scope of practice as outlined by the state.

Requirements

Licensed Social Worker with current license in the state of employment.
Minimum of one year's experience in health care, hospice experience preferred.
Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying.
Ability to create positive impressions and communicate with a variety of people.
Maintain effective communication with patients, families, physicians and co-workers.
Ability to remain calm, have patience and be accommodating.
Compassionate and caring while working with patients.
Knowledgeable on social work best practices.
Ability to make appropriate judgments.
Ability to identify a situation and handle it with the best possible solution.
Detail-oriented and observant.
Disciplined style of work ethic.
Ability to prioritize and be timely.
Works efficiently.
Ability to follow directions and work as a team member.
Valid driver’s license and auto insurance in own name.
Must be able to meet all physical position requirements.
Evidence required of a current negative tuberculin skin test or x-ray or receive TB testing at the date of orientation. Thereafter an annual tuberculin skin test is required, unless the employee has documentation of a previous TB test.
Employee must be free of physical/medical conditions, which would limit or restrict their ability to perform the job functions listed below.
Bloodborne exposure risk is all.
An extensive amount of travel is required for this position.
Reading
Speaking
Writing English Communications Skills
Computer/PDA Usage
Hand/finger dexterity
Hearing/Seeing
Talking in person
Hearing in person
Vision for close work
Walking
Sitting
Talking on the phone
Hearing on the phone
Driving
Bending
Standing
Stretching/Reaching
Climbing
Stooping (bend at waist)
Lifting up to 50 lbs. with or without assistance
Distinguish smell/taste

Nice To Haves

Master of Social Work preferred.
hospice experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment.
Provides an assessment in the patient’s identified residence and assistance when this is not safe, and another plan is required.
Carries out social evaluations and plans intervention based on evaluation findings.
Counsels’ patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties.
Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work.
Provides information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.
Provides information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.
Serves as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.
Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel.
Participates in the development of the plan of care and attends case conferences weekly.
Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.
Participates in discharge planning when needed.
Assists patient and family/caregiver with securing durable power of attorney and with funeral arrangements, as needed.
Other duties as delegated by the Hospice Administrator