PRN Medical Social Worker (MSW)
About The Position
The PRN Master of Social Work (MSW), contracted or employed through the organization, implements standards of care for medical social work services and adheres to the applicable Service or Employment Agreement. The role supports hospice patients and their families throughout the end-of-life journey by addressing psychosocial, emotional, practical, and environmental needs and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team. The social worker assesses patients and families in the patient’s identified residence, communicates findings to the registered nurse and interdisciplinary group, provides counseling and crisis intervention as needed, and contributes to individualized plans of care. The role also provides education, referrals, community liaison services, and assistance with advance directives and end-of-life planning. PRN employees are not eligible for benefits.
Requirements
- Graduate of a master’s program in social work (MSW) accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or graduate of a bachelor’s program in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and meeting personnel qualifications stated in §418.114(b)(3).
- At least one year of experience in health care.
- Understanding of hospice philosophy and issues of death and dying.
- Good verbal and written communication skills and organizational skills.
- Current CPR certification.
- Licensed driver with an automobile insured in accordance with state or organization requirements and in good working order.
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequently sitting or standing and occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds; reasonable accommodations may be made.
Nice To Haves
- Hospice experience.
Responsibilities
- Assess the psychosocial status of patients and families or caregivers in relation to the patient’s terminal illness and environment, and communicate findings to the registered nurse and other interdisciplinary group members.
- Assess the patient in their identified residence and assist with identifying an alternative plan when that residence is not safe.
- Conduct social evaluations of family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, and risks such as suicide, neglect, or abuse; plan interventions based on findings.
- Counsel patients and families or caregivers regarding stress and coping difficulties, and provide crisis intervention when necessary.
- Assess and educate the interdisciplinary group about special cultural needs, including communication, family roles, space, traditions, and taboos.
- Maintain clinical records for patients referred to social work.
- Educate patients and families about advance directives and assist with their preparation.
- Provide information and referral services concerning 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 contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patients and personnel.
- Participate in developing individualized plans of care with patients and families, attend regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, and help the team recognize the effects of psychosocial stress on terminal illness symptoms.
- Assist physicians and other team members in understanding social and emotional factors related to health problems and death and dying.
- Participate in quality assessment and performance improvement teams and activities.
- Assist patients and families with funeral arrangements and financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities.
- Perform other duties as delegated by the Clinical Supervisor.
Benefits
- PRN employees are not eligible for benefits.
