Medical Social Worker

VNA Health • Santa Barbara, CA

32d • $75,000 - $85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

At VNA Health, our mission is to revolutionize healthcare through compassion and innovation, ensuring every individual's well-being is prioritized. We're dedicated to empowering our employees to make a real difference in the lives of our patients and communities, driving positive change in healthcare. Join us in our mission to provide exceptional care and improve the health and dignity of those we serve.

The Medical Social Worker (MSW) contracted or employed through the organization 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 MSW respects and promotes the mission, values and vision of VNA Health.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in social work from a school accredited or approved by the Council on Social Work Education
• Minimum of one year of experience in health care, hospice experience preferred.
• Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying.
• Licensed driver with insured automobile - in accordance with state and/or organization requirements.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a hospice care preferred.
• Bicultural/Bilingual Spanish preferred, but not necessary.

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 problems arising from terminal illness, related conditions and the dying process.
• Conducts an initial bereavement assessment of the patient and family focusing on social, spiritual and cultural factors and incorporate it into the POC.
• Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work. Completes thorough, accurate, and timely documentation as defined by agency policy.
• 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 and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
• Participates in IDT in the development of comprehensive and updated assessments at least every 14 days and POC based on the psychosocial assessment of the patient and family needs and acceptance of the services and attends IDT 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 as needed. Assists patient and family/caregiver with securing durable power of attorney and with funeral arrangements, as needed.
• The medical social worker must participate in the hospice’s quality assessment and performance improvement program.
• Knowledge of state, federal, local and accreditation regulations for the delivery of hospice services.
• Meets daily average productivity standards set by the agency.
• Other duties as delegated by the Social Services Manager.
• All clinical staff are expected to participate as needed in variable shifts, including weekend rotation per staffing needs and departmental holiday rotation.

Benefits

• Employer sponsored insurance premiums including dental, vision, basic life, disability, and AD&D insurance.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual from the first day of employment.
• Generous Wellness Benefit providing annual reimbursement for fitness and wellness expenses.
• Financial wellness program with matching 403(b) Retirement Plan and Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Supportive company culture promoting employee well-being through programs like the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and public transportation reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level