Social Workers / Bereavement Coordinator

CONSTELLATION HEALTH SERVICES • Highland Heights, OH

8d • $65,000 - $75,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Constellation Health is looking for a compassionate Licensed Medical Social Worker/Bereavement Coordinator to work with hospice patients and their families in their homes. As a social worker employed through the organization, they are responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services and for adherence to all conditions in the Service or Employment Agreement. In the Bereavement Coordinator role, the individual is responsible to plan, implement, and maintain a bereavement program to meet the needs of families/caregivers from Constellation Hospice for up to one (1) year following the death of the individual hospice patient. Constellation Health Services was founded to be an innovative leader in the post-acute continuums by the development of core teams that embody clinical excellence, uniqueness within their communities and act with authentic intention. We believe that serving patients in the community setting is the most important activity of the organization. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of patient care with compassion and respect for each person.

Requirements

• A 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.
• Meets personnel qualifications stated in §418.114(b)(3).
• The employee has the required licensure, education, training, and qualifications required by rule, regulation, law and/or statute to qualify for the role in their state.
• Previous home care/hospice is required.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
• Possesses and maintains current CPR Certification (per state regulations)
• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state or organization requirements and is in good working order.
• Understanding of grief response and experience with counseling individuals and/or in groups regarding loss
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Knowledge and commitment to hospice philosophy.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a hospice care preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high-risks for suicide, neglect or abuse and plans intervention based on evaluation findings.
• Counsels patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties.
• Provides crisis intervention when necessary.
• Assesses for, and educates interdisciplinary group, on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family. Includes communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos.
• Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work.
• Educates patients and families on, and assists in, preparation of advanced directives.
• Provides information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.
• Provides information to patients and 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.
• Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the team in recognizing the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness.
• Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.
• Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Assists family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities.
• Coordinates the assessment and delivery of grief counseling needs and services (one-to-one, groups, and ongoing follow-up) to ensure timely and appropriate services are provided to family/caregivers.
• Develops, coordinates and evaluates bereavement follow-up programs.
• Establishes bereavement risk indicators, guidelines and methodology for bereavement care planning and case management.
• Maintains appropriate records and files of bereaved enrolled in the program and documents follow-up.
• Provides bereavement information and referral services to callers from the community.
• Expands and maintains community resource list as needed.
• Plans, publicizes, facilitates and supervises bereavement support groups and programs.
• Plans and oversees events such as Hospice Memorial Services and Bereavement Care Seminars.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• mileage reimbursement
• health insurance
• PTO (must meet minimum requirements to be eligible for benefits)
• Opportunities for professional development and training to advance your career.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment that values compassion and empathy.
• The satisfaction of making a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level