Medical Social Worker

Hospice Buffalo • Town of Cheektowaga, NY

7d

About The Position

A Medical Social Worker provides clinical social work services to patients and families through a variety of modalities and in accordance with State and Federal regulations. The role is an integral member of the interdisciplinary team and consults on psychosocial aspects of coping with illness. The position is on the Facility Based Team and involves travel in the community. Hospice patients often receive care at home, where symptoms are managed to help them maintain independence and quality of life with support from family and friends.

The schedule is 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The role participates in an on-call rotation approximately twice per year, including full-shift Saturday and Sunday weekend coverage when on call, as well as a holiday rotation.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited school.
• Current licensure in the State of New York.
• One year of social work experience in a health care setting.
• Valid driver’s license free of serious violations.
• Vehicle required for use when on duty or on call.

Responsibilities

• Provide skilled social work services, including counseling, support, advocacy, long-term planning, community resource coordination, and crisis intervention, to optimize patient care.
• Observe, record, and report the patient’s and family’s reactions to treatment and changes in the patient’s condition to the physician, patient case manager, and other involved staff.
• Help the physician and other home health team members understand the significance of social and emotional factors.
• Assess and reassess social and emotional factors to help patients and families cope with daily living problems and follow medical recommendations to maximize quality of life.
• Assess financial needs and eligibility, and connect patients with community resources such as SSI, SSD, Medicare, Food Stamps, HEAP, Medicaid, MLTC/PPL, and NHTD.
• Follow Social Work Quality Assurance standards, stay current on social work trends and knowledge, and assist with audits and peer reviews as directed by the supervisor.
• Participate in the agency’s quality improvement program, document required quality assurance data, and complete work, care, and documentation accurately and within required time frames.
• Maintain client charts and other written or computerized records in a timely manner.
• Participate in outreach activities in facility or community settings as requested.
• Conduct joint visits with the Admissions RN as requested, based on identified psychosocial needs.

Benefits

• Employer 401(k) contribution regardless of employee participation, with an additional matching contribution when the employee participates.
• Health insurance with a vision component copayment plan or high-deductible plan for full-time employees.
• Employer HSA contribution twice annually for full-time employees enrolled in a high-deductible health plan.
• Dental insurance for full-time employees.
• Flexible Spending Account for full-time employees.
• Paid Time Off and New York State Sick Leave.
• Tuition Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time