Social Worker (Home Health & Hospice)
About The Position
The Social Worker (Home Health & Hospice) supports patients and their families throughout the end-of-life journey. The role assesses psychosocial, emotional, and environmental needs and identifies resources and support systems that promote comfort, safety, and coping during terminal illness. The Social Worker provides counseling, crisis intervention, and bereavement support, and helps patients and loved ones navigate the emotional and practical challenges associated with hospice and home health care. The position assesses suicide risk, abuse or neglect concerns, and barriers to maintaining a safe home environment, coordinating appropriate interventions and community resources. In collaboration with physicians and the interdisciplinary care team, the Social Worker identifies social and mental health stressors that may exacerbate symptoms and contributes to developing and revising each patient's individualized plan of care. The role provides medical social services in accordance with established care plans, as well as short-term counseling and emotional support as needed. The Social Worker is expected to embody the organization's values of Respect, Passion, and Professionalism and promote accountability. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and reports to the Hospice Director.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
- At least 1 year of social work experience in a healthcare setting.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft and Google applications.
- Valid state driver's license, a motor vehicle driving record satisfactory to WCBay and its insurance providers, and proof of motor vehicle insurance.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to meet deadlines and perform responsibilities with minimal supervision.
- Ability to address internal and external inquiries.
- Ability to supervise and train co-workers.
- Ability to exercise discretion and work independently.
Nice To Haves
- Master of Social Work (MSW) from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
- At least 2 years of medical social work experience, including 1 year dedicated to hospice or home health services.
- Background in advance care planning, crisis intervention, and psychosocial advocacy for individuals facing life-limiting conditions.
- Ability to maintain a valid state social work license suitable for the required level of clinical practice.
- Hold or be prepared to pursue specialty certification in hospice and palliative care social work, such as APHSW-C or CHP-SW.
- Strong aptitude for interdisciplinary collaboration and navigating community-based resources or long-term care systems.
Responsibilities
- Assist with information and preparation concerning advance directives, funeral planning, and transfers of responsibility for fiscal, legal, and health care decisions.
- Prepare clinical and progress notes; identify and manage family dynamics and communication patterns; include patients and families in the plan of care.
- Identify and use appropriate community resources, assess patient and family ability to access them, and evaluate responses to psychosocial interventions.
- Assess caregivers' ability to function adequately and determine counseling needs related to risk of pathological grief.
- Assess special needs related to cultural diversity, including communication, personal space, family roles, and traditions.
- Identify patient and family developmental levels and obstacles to learning or participating in care; identify barriers to compliance and help explain intervention goals.
- Identify support systems that can reduce stress and facilitate coping with end-of-life care.
- Evaluate the need for long-term care and assess the ability to accept a change in level of care.
- Communicate psychosocial information to inpatient facilities when the level of care changes.
- Assist patients and families in assessing financial resources when appropriate.
- Identify patient and family needs at discharge or when the level of care changes.
- Evaluate patient and family responses to referrals to community agencies and their satisfaction with services provided.
- Assess and coordinate bereavement needs.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance available day one.
- Life and short- and long-term disability insurance.
- Retirement plan with employer match.
- Paid time off and 6 paid holidays, plus 2 floating holidays.
- Tuition assistance and scholarships for employees and their families.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Legal and identity theft protection plans.
- Team member discounts.
- Career growth and leadership development opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
