Medical Social Worker

Hospice Buffalo • Town of Cheektowaga, NY

6d

About The Position

Provides clinical social work services to hospice and palliative care patients and their families, using a variety of modalities and in accordance with state and federal regulations. The Medical Social Worker is an integral member of the interdisciplinary team and consults on psychosocial aspects of coping with illness. The role is a float position requiring travel in the community. The schedule is 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with holiday and on-call rotation. The majority of patients prefer to receive care at home, where symptoms are managed to support their independence and quality of life.

Requirements

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

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 challenges 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 with 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 and document quality assurance data as required.
• 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 employer match when the employee participates.
• Health insurance with a vision component copayment plan or a high-deductible plan for full-time employees.
• Employer HSA contributions twice annually for employees with a high-deductible health plan and full-time status.
• 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
• Career Level: Mid Level