Social Worker

CONSTELLATION HEALTH SERVICES

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The social worker, either contracted or employed by the organization, is responsible for implementing standards of care for medical social work services and ensuring adherence to all conditions outlined in the Service or Employment Agreement. This role involves assessing the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to terminal illness and environment, conducting social evaluations (including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, and high-risks for suicide, neglect or abuse), and planning interventions based on findings. The social worker will counsel patients and families/caregivers regarding stress and coping difficulties, provide crisis intervention, and educate the interdisciplinary group on cultural needs. Key responsibilities also include maintaining clinical records, assisting with advanced directives, and providing information and referral services for practical and environmental needs. The position serves as a liaison between patients, families/caregivers, and community agencies, maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel, and develops contracts with public and private agencies. Furthermore, the social worker participates in individualized plan of care development, attends interdisciplinary group meetings, assists the team in understanding psychosocial stresses on terminal illness symptoms, and helps with planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and healthcare decisions.

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.

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, including 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.
Other duties as delegated by the Clinical Supervisor/Director of Clinical Services.