Medical Social Worker – Msw – Hospice

Medical Social Worker – Msw – Hospice

Requirements

• Graduate of a Master’s program in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Must possess a Masters in Social Work degree from a school accredited by the council on Social Work
• Education and clinical experience relevant to the psychosocial needs of patients and families.
• Minimum of one (1) years’ experience in health care, hospice, experience preferred. Understands hospice philosophy, and issues or death/dying.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state/or organization requirements and is in good working order.

Responsibilities

• Assesses the psychological 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.
• Carries out the social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns. High-risk 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 culture of the patient and family. Includes communication, role of family, space and any special traditions or taboos.
• Educates patients and families on, and assists in, preparation of advanced directives.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of one (1) years’ experience in health care, hospice, experience preferred.
• Experience in hospice care preferred.