PRN Medical Social Worker (MSW)

Luminary Hospice • South Bend, IN

2d

About The Position

The PRN Medical Social Worker (MSW), contracted or employed through Luminary Hospice, implements standards of care for medical social work services and adheres to the conditions in the applicable service or employment agreement. The role supports patients and families throughout the end-of-life journey through psychosocial assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, resource coordination, and collaboration with the interdisciplinary care team.

Requirements

• Graduate of a master’s program in social work (MSW) accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or a graduate of a bachelor’s program in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Meet personnel qualifications stated in §418.114(b)(3).
• At least one year of experience in health care.
• Understand hospice philosophy and issues related to death and dying.
• Demonstrate good verbal and written communication and organization skills.
• Possess and maintain current CPR certification.
• Be a licensed driver and have an insured, working automobile in accordance with state or organization requirements.

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’s identified residence and assist with an alternative plan when the residence is unsafe.
• Conduct social evaluations addressing family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, and risks such as suicide, neglect, or abuse, and plan interventions based on findings.
• Counsel patients and families or caregivers regarding stress and other coping difficulties, and provide crisis intervention when necessary.
• Assess and educate interdisciplinary groups about 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 referrals regarding practical and environmental needs, and share information with patients, families, 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 how psychosocial stress affects terminal illness symptoms.
• Help physicians and other team members understand significant 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.

What This Job Offers