Medical Social Worker (MSW) | Hospice & Home Health

Logan Health Medical Center•Kalispell, MT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Logan Health's Hospice and Home Health team is looking for a compassionate and experienced Medical Social Worker (MSW) to support patients and families throughout Flathead and Lake County. This role provides a meaningful combination of psychosocial support, case management, resource coordination, and grief support. You will help patients and families navigate difficult decisions, changing care needs, and the emotional and practical challenges that can accompany serious illness and end-of-life care. You'll also have the opportunity to work with an amazing interdisciplinary team of nurses, chaplains, CNA/Home Health Aides, social workers and a Hospice Medical Director.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program required.
Minimum of one year of healthcare social work experience required.
Ability to independently manage a patient caseload, prioritize changing needs, and respond appropriately to urgent situations.
Current driver’s license, reliable transportation, and required automobile insurance.
Driving record for the previous thirty-six (36) months must not reflect any major driving offenses (i.e., DUI, convicted of a felony involving a motor vehicle, suspended license, three (3) or more speeding tickets or other moving violations, etc.).
Personal vehicles used for LH business: state law minimum liability coverage limits required.
Ability and willingness to travel throughout the service area and drive safely during Northwest Montana winter conditions.
Ability to act with integrity, kindness, and exhibit empathy.
Excellent organizational skills, detail-oriented, a self-starter, possess critical thinking skills and be able to set priorities and function as part of a team as well as independently.
Commitment to working in a team environment and maintaining confidentiality as needed.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience providing grief or bereavement support is desired.
Previous hospice or home health experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Complete comprehensive psychosocial assessments for hospice and home health patients within established organizational and regulatory timeframes.
Provide ongoing case management and adjust visit frequency and support as patients’ conditions and individual needs change.
Provide anticipatory grief support to hospice patients and their families.
Help facilitate a weekly grief support group for individuals navigating loss and bereavement.
Review advance directives with patients and families and provide guidance as they consider care preferences and future needs.
Connect patients and families with community programs, caregiving support, financial assistance, and other essential resources.
Assist families with identifying and coordinating placement in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities when appropriate.
Recognize potential safety or welfare concerns and make referrals to Adult or Child Protective Services when needed.
Collaborate closely with nurses, providers, chaplains, home health aides, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team.
Travel throughout Flathead and Lake counties, generally within a 50-mile service radius.
Addresses identified support and social needs of patients including, but not limited to: trauma, palliative care, comfort care/end of life patients, patients with substance use disorder, patients with complex social situations, patients with active psychiatric and/or behavioral concerns, situations with Guardianship and other legal issues impacting health and recovery.
Supports patients and families in making difficult decisions related to hospital stay and discharge.
Partners with appropriate stakeholders across the healthcare continuum to identify social barriers to discharge.
Acts as an expert regarding community resources, healthcare needs impacting discharge plan and social barriers to discharge.
Remains mindful of registration status and payer requirements as they relate to discharge options in order to fully support patients and families in making informed healthcare decisions.
Explores and communicates solutions and recommendations to social barriers impacting healthcare with appropriate stakeholders.
Seeks input from the multidisciplinary team and remains aware of the discharge plan.
Completes thorough and accurate documentation in the patient’s medical record.
Performs as an active member of the healthcare team making early referrals and communicating thoroughly with post-acute partners, family members, and patients.
Operates from a person-in-environment framework and strength-based perspective.
Exhibits strong, professional communication skills and ensures available community connections are made prior to discharge.
Exhibits knowledge and skills necessary to provide for the physical, psychological, and cultural needs of the patient.
Advocates for clients' rights to self-determination, confidentiality, and access to supportive services and resources, and appropriate inclusion in informed decision-making that affects health and well-being.
Annually completes one (1) organization-wide teaching event or one (1) department-wide training session specific to Social Work.
Consistently reflects ownership and professionalism towards Care Coordination.
Identifies areas in need of improvement and serves an active role in developing solutions.
Exhibits the Organization’s Core Values to both internal and external customers.
Responds to, and provides direction in, a changing workload in a positive and professional manner.
Maintains regular and consistent attendance as scheduled by department leadership.