Medical Social Worker BSW

Description Coordinate and provide medical social work services to hospice patients and families.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: · Evaluate the physical, financial, psychological, spiritual and pre-bereavement needs of the patient/family in coordination with interdisciplinary team · Assist in assessing patient appropriateness for services · If patient is not appropriate, recommend other services available and refer to community agencies, as appropriate · Educate the patient and family about hospice services · Assess the financial resources of the patient and family and instruct them on coverage for hospice services, i.e. hospice Medicare/Medicaid benefit, Medicare, private insurance, as appropriate · Discuss hospice policy on “fee for service” when appropriate · Assess for enhanced services · Discuss hospice volunteer, chaplain services, Veterans Honoring Veterans, and, if desired, refer to volunteer coordinator and/or chaplain · Develop plan of care with goals defined by the patient/family and hospice interdisciplinary team · Provide social work services according to patient plan of care · Communicate patient changes or family needs to volunteer, chaplain, massage therapist and minister, if applicable · Assist patient/family with applications, forms, etc. for implementation of appropriate services · Assist the physician and the interdisciplinary team (including the minister) in understanding the significant social and emotional factors related to the patient’s health problems · Support individual coping mechanisms and facilitate constructive expression of feelings and concerns · Evaluate the effectiveness of social work interventions on a regular basis and when changes occur in the patient/family situation · Review and update the plan of care as changes occur in the patient’s condition and as required by regulations · Communicate with team members on an ongoing basis, apprising the primary team of any changes · Communicate with other social workers who might provide care in the primary social worker’s absence · Rotate on-call responsibilities, as needed · Conduct timely utilization reviews · Provide support at time of death, when appropriate · Attend funeral or receiving to provide support to family · Participate in volunteer/staff training, as requested · Serve palliative care patients, as assigned · Participate with bereavement coordinators and chaplains in planning and facilitating grief support groups · Deliver grief/loss presentations in the community, as needed · Provide grief counseling services to community individuals, as needed · Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, skills & abilities

· Ability and willingness to work with patients/families regardless of race, color, creed, age or sexual orientation. Must respect their beliefs and philosophy with an attitude of openness and receptiveness. · Knowledge of health care systems and policies relevant to hospice population · Knowledge and ability of working with end-of-life issues · Knowledge and ability to apply therapeutic perspectives (i.e. conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments of patients caregivers, and families, motivational interviewing, life review, strengths-based perspective, meaning centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, therapeutic arts and music techniques)

Minimum Qualifications

Education: · Bachelor’s degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council of Social Work Education preferred or bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology or other field related to social work Experience: · Two years of clinical experience preferred · One year of social work experience in health care setting preferred

Licensures & Certifications: (if applicable): · Not applicable

Physical demands

· Visual acuity to read written documentation and computer tasks · Ability to sit extended periods of time and perform administrative tasks · Ability to stand, bend and lift an average of 30 pounds · Manual dexterity with the ability to manipulate office equipment and keyboard for extended periods of time · Ability to walk, squat, kneel, climb and balance

Special requirements: · Must have an automobile with required insurance coverage and state driver’s license