Social Worker - Heritage

PIONEER HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Social Worker, contracted or employed through the organization, implements standards of care for medical social work services and adheres to all conditions in the Service or Employment Agreement. The role assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families or caregivers in relation to terminal illness and the patient's environment, communicates findings to the registered nurse and interdisciplinary group, and helps identify a safe residence or an alternative plan when needed. The Social Worker evaluates family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, and risks such as suicide, neglect, or abuse; provides counseling and crisis intervention; and identifies cultural needs for the interdisciplinary group. The position maintains clinical records, assists with advance directives, provides information and referrals, and connects patients and families with community agencies and practical resources. The role collaborates with organization personnel, develops relationships with public and private agencies, and participates in individualized care planning, interdisciplinary meetings, and quality assessment and performance improvement activities. The Social Worker also helps patients and families plan for funeral arrangements and make financial, legal, and health care decisions. Other related duties may be delegated by the Clinical Supervisor.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Hospice experience.

Responsibilities

Assess patients' and families' or caregivers' psychosocial status in relation to terminal illness and the patient's environment, communicate findings to the registered nurse and interdisciplinary group, and help establish an alternative plan when the identified residence is unsafe.
Evaluate family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, and risks of 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 the interdisciplinary group about special cultural needs, including communication, family roles, space, traditions, and taboos.
Maintain clinical records for all patients referred to social work.
Educate patients and families about advance directives and assist with their preparation.
Provide information and referral services for practical and environmental needs.
Provide information to patients, families or caregivers, and community agencies.
Act 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 the effects of psychosocial stress on terminal illness symptoms.
Assist physicians and other team members in understanding 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 planning funeral arrangements and financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities.
Perform other duties as delegated by the Clinical Supervisor.