About Job

JOB TITLE: Medical Social Worker

STATUS: Full-time/Exempt

SALARY: DOE

SUPERVISOR: Director of Nursing

CREATED:

Coastal Home Health & Hospice is an equal opportunity employer: CHHH does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, family relationship, marital status, veteran status, military service, employment status, or any other classification protected by local, state, or federal law.

If an employee needs an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined below, he or she should notify his or her supervisor or the Executive Director. CHHH will work with the employee to evaluate whether there is a reasonable accommodation that does not pose an undue hardship to the company.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides comprehensive psychosocial services and supportive counseling for hospice and home health patients, families, and caregivers. Core member of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (lDT).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Including, but not limited to the following:

Assesses the psychosocial status of patients, families, and caregivers in relation to the patient's medical condition and environment.

Identifies psychosocial goals and expectations and in coordination with the care team, develops a Plan of Care which helps the patient/family to maximize the quality of life and which supports the patient's goals.

Provides explanation of hospice philosophy of care; coverage and services, and payer source benefits, either as a pre-hospice referral or at the time of admission.

In collaboration with lDT, works in partnership with the patient and family to identify issues that may complicate life closure.

Provides supportive counseling to patient, family, and/or caregivers regarding the psychological aspects of illness, palliative, and end-of-life care, as well as issues identified by the patient as important/relevant. Conducts family meetings as indicated.

Assesses patient's financial resources; completes Patient Financial Disclosure documents for patients with limited or no insurance.

Assures that medically related and social needs of patients are met and maintained on an individual basis.

Assists patient/families to identify with and find mechanisms for dealing with stress which accompany illness. Assists them in formulating plans for enhancing patient's health and well-being.

Coordinates community resources, including caregiver assistance, placement

options, meals, transportation, financial resources, nursing home placement, etc.

Serves as liaison between patients, families, caregivers and community agencies to advocate for and maximize resources for the patient.

Completes clinical documentation reflective of the patient services performed per agency standards.

Collaborates with other members of the IDT including bereavement, spiritual care and volunteers.

Collaborates with other home health disciplines to ensure coordination of care.

Coordinates and/or participates in various support groups as determined by agency programs and identified community needs.

Participates in community education, including volunteer training and marketing.

Participates in patient care conferences, discharge planning and in-service programs.

Other tasks or projects as directed by the Clinical Director.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education, Certification, and Licenses -

Master's Degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work
License by the state to use the title of a social worker. (LMSW, LCSW, CSWA, ACSW)
Current Driver's License.

Experience -

A minimum of one year of experience in Social Work in a health care setting. Home care, hospice, or palliative care experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS NECESSARY TO PERFORM JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strong verbal and written communication skills
Knowledge of principles and philosophy of Medical Social Services as related to

Home Health and Hospice care.

Thorough understanding of counseling techniques and psychosocial

assessments.

Understanding of hospice philosophy; palliative and end-of-life care.
Working knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations and standards of practice governing the delivery and reimbursement of social work services.
Knowledge of community resources.
Knowledge and expertise in family and social dynamics, human behavior, and conflict resolution.
Ability to work independently with little supervision and demonstration of satisfactory problem-solving skills.
Work as an integral member of the Home Health and Hospice care teams.
Relate to and treat acutely ill/chronically ill patients/families within the scope of practice.
Possess the disposition and personality to work harmoniously and professionally with a wide variety of people and personality types
Ability to work flexible hours as required to meet identified patient needs.
Absolute integrity and the use of good judgment to handle the professional and confidential nature of assignments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; talk to patients, family members, answering service, and co-workers, and hear their words; vision requirements include close, distance and ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb stairs, adjusting from sitting and standing is required.
Ability to perform tasks involving physical activity; extensive bending, standing, walking, or sitting may be required.
Ability to deal effectively with stress.
May occasionally drive for long periods of time.

WORK CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT:

Employee may encounter various environmental situations in individual patient homes, including odors, tobacco smoke or animals. Tasks may involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.

Travel is required within entire service area.