Hinds Lifecare, one of the most well-known and well-respected nonprofit agencies in California’s Central Valley and a pioneer in the practice of hospice and palliative care, is seeking a Medical Social Worker to join our team. Under operational direction of the Director of Social Work and Chaplain Services, performs the role of social worker as a member of the interdisciplinary team. The Hospice Social Worker completes psychosocial assessments and provides ongoing psychosocial support to patients and families. Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient’s terminal illness and environment and communicates findings to the registered nurse and other members of the interdisciplinary group. 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. Counsel’s patient and family/caregiver(s) as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties. Mains clinical records on all patients referred to social work. Provides information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs. Provides information to patients, their families/caregivers, and community agencies. Serves as liaison between patients, and families/caregivers, and community agencies. Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care. Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient and personnel. Rotates through on-call, including some nights, weekends, and holidays to ensure 24/7 social work availability, as assigned by the Social Services supervisor or department director. Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings. Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues. Provides comprehensive evaluation and assessment of family and caregiver coping, and providing bereavement counseling and support. Assists in financial assessments, which may include obtaining information to ensure insurance verification and payment. Assists with education of potential patients and their family/caregivers to ensure informed consent, which may include obtaining signatures for consent for care and election of benefits for hospice care. Why Hinds Lifecare: A mission-driven organization and a pioneer in hospice care, Hinds Lifecare seeks to uphold the dignity and ease the suffering of the terminally ill while supporting their loved ones and those who are grieving. Our vision is to be recognized for excellence in compassionate end-of-life care and specialized grief support services, accessible to all. We provide a compassionate presence, pursue excellence, act ethically, professionally, and with hope. As a member of the Hinds Lifecare team, you’ll be part of an organization with a long history of recognition for excellence and compassion. Hospice work in any position – from medical to clerical -- can be demanding. But hospice work is rewarding, especially for a person with the dedication required to rise to the challenges of end-of-life care, regardless of the position they work. Hinds Lifecare is Joint Commission accredited and was recently recognized by Fresno’s Marjaree Mason Center as its Leading Business for 2023.