Social Worker & Bereavement Coordinator - Home Health / Hospice

University of Tennessee Home Healthcare Services•Morristown, TN

About The Position

The Home Health Medical Social Worker / Hospice Bereavement Coordinator provides medical social work services to home health patients and coordinates and administers the hospice bereavement program. The role supports patients, families, and caregivers through illness, care transitions, end-of-life care, and bereavement. Working with the interdisciplinary team, the coordinator provides psychosocial support, connects people with community resources, offers grief counseling, and administers bereavement services. The position conducts psychosocial and bereavement assessments; develops individualized care and bereavement plans; provides counseling, education, and referrals; and coordinates community resources and bereavement activities. It also maintains clinical and program documentation, participates in case conferences and Interdisciplinary Group meetings, supports quality improvement and education, and may guide social worker assistants, volunteers, and support personnel. The role combines office-based work with travel to patient homes, facilities, community agencies, support-group locations, and company events. Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday assignments may be required to meet patient, family, and program needs. The employer identified in the posting is University of Tennessee Medical Center Home Health, an affiliate of The Pennant Group.

Requirements

Master's degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Current social work licensure as required by state regulations.
At least one year of social work experience in healthcare, home health, hospice, or a related setting.
Current CPR certification if required by state regulations or agency policy.
Valid driver's license, current automobile insurance, and reliable transportation for work-related travel.
Strong knowledge of psychosocial assessment and intervention techniques.
Understanding of hospice philosophy, bereavement practices, and home health regulations.
Ability to provide compassionate support to patients, families, and caregivers experiencing illness, loss, and grief.
Excellent verbal, written, organizational, and time-management skills.
Strong computer skills and proficiency with electronic medical records and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to work independently and as an effective member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse populations.
Ability to stand, walk, sit, reach, bend, communicate effectively, and operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Hospice experience.
Experience or education in grief counseling, bereavement support, or end-of-life care.
Experience facilitating support groups and educational programs.

Responsibilities

Conduct psychosocial assessments of home health patients and identify social, emotional, financial, and environmental factors affecting care.
Develop and implement individualized social work plans with patients, families, caregivers, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members.
Provide counseling and supportive services related to illness, adjustment, coping, and community-resource needs.
Coordinate community referrals and help patients and families access financial, social, and support services.
Serve as a liaison among patients, families, community agencies, and healthcare providers.
Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences and contribute to developing and revising patient care plans.
Assist with discharge planning and care transitions.
Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation in accordance with agency, state, and federal requirements.
Educate patients, families, and caregivers about available resources and support services.
Coordinate, implement, and oversee the hospice bereavement program for families and caregivers after a loss.
Conduct bereavement assessments and develop individualized bereavement plans.
Provide grief support, counseling, education, and referrals to bereaved individuals and families.
Plan, facilitate, and coordinate bereavement support groups, memorial services, and other related events.
Develop and maintain bereavement educational materials and resources.
Track bereavement follow-up activities to support compliance with hospice regulations and agency standards.
Collaborate with hospice team members, volunteers, and community organizations to enhance bereavement services.
Participate in Interdisciplinary Group meetings and present bereavement updates and patient or family needs.
Assist with orientation and training of staff and volunteers on grief, loss, and bereavement services.
Prepare reports and maintain documentation related to bereavement services and program outcomes.
Communicate with physicians, clinical leadership, and interdisciplinary team members.
Participate in agency quality assurance, performance improvement, and educational programs.
Maintain compliance with agency policies, accreditation standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Respond appropriately to crisis situations and urgent patient or family needs.
Perform other duties assigned by agency leadership.
May provide guidance and oversight to Social Worker Assistants, bereavement volunteers, and support personnel as assigned.