Medical Social Worker (MSW)

Luminary Hospice•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

The Medical Social Worker is responsible for implementing standards of care for medical social work services and adhering to the conditions of the Service or Employment Agreement. The role supports hospice patients and their families throughout the end-of-life journey by addressing psychosocial, emotional, practical, and environmental needs and working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team. The position may be contracted or employed through the organization. The Medical Social Worker assesses patients’ and families’ psychosocial circumstances, provides counseling and crisis intervention, offers education and referrals, and helps patients and families with advance directives and end-of-life planning. The role maintains clinical records, collaborates with organization personnel and community agencies, and contributes to individualized care planning and quality-improvement activities. The position requires a graduate degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited master’s program, or a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s program that meets the specified personnel qualifications. At least one year of healthcare experience is required; hospice experience is preferred. Current CPR certification and a valid driver’s license, insured automobile, and vehicle in good working order are required. The job involves frequently sitting or standing and occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds. Luminary Hospice describes itself as a mission-driven organization focused on personalized, compassionate care that preserves dignity and supports patients and families throughout the end-of-life journey. It offers competitive compensation and a benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance and retirement savings options.

Requirements

Graduate of a master’s program in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, or graduate of a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s program and meets personnel qualifications stated in §418.114(b)(3).
At least one year of experience in healthcare.
Understands hospice philosophy and issues related to death and dying.
Demonstrates good verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
Maintains current CPR certification.
Licensed driver with an automobile insured according to state or organization requirements and in good working order.
Able to frequently sit or stand and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds; reasonable accommodations may be made.

Nice To Haves

Hospice experience.

Responsibilities

Assess patients’ and families’ psychosocial status in relation to the terminal illness and environment, communicate findings to the registered nurse and interdisciplinary group, and assess whether the identified residence is safe or another plan is needed.
Conduct social evaluations of family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, and risks such as suicide, neglect, or abuse; plan interventions based on findings.
Counsel patients and families or caregivers regarding stress and coping difficulties, and provide crisis intervention when necessary.
Assess and educate interdisciplinary groups about culture-related 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.
Provide information to patients, families or 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 scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, and help the team recognize how psychosocial stress affects terminal-illness symptoms.
Help physicians and other team members understand 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 planning and financial, legal, and healthcare decision responsibilities.
Perform other duties as delegated by the Clinical Supervisor.