Social Worker

Scope of Position: The Social Worker assumes primary responsibility for the problems of the patient or family members in the social system or emotional realm that affect the patient’s comfort with dying. S/he works collaboratively with the patient, family, and hospice team to identify and solve these problems.

Essential Functions (including but not limited to)

• Maintains the standards of Social Work excellence in accordance with principles set forth by the profession, NASW Code of Ethics, and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

• Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary group (IDG) to formulate a plan of care for patient/family and/or other caregivers in consultation with other IDG members. Observes, evaluates and brings to team conferences information regarding psychosocial, spiritual, physical and financial conditions affecting the patient and family

• Assists with admission procedures, including obtaining a  psychosocial assessment

• Provides ongoing reassessment of patient/family as needed

• Provides short term crisis intervention and individual and family counseling when indicated.

• Assists patients and their families in utilizing relevant community resources and coordinates social services with other community agencies

• Documents all family contacts and interventions and maintains accurate and up-to-date patient records and care plan

• Assists the public with referrals to Benton Hospice Service and/or community resources

• Assists with the BHS bereavement program as needed

• Contributes to communication, positive work environment, and team effort

• Serves as assigned on agency-wide initiatives and/or committees

• Participates in QAPI activities

• Understands and adheres to BHS Privacy Policy; BHS Sexual Abuse policy; and all policies and procedures contained in the BHS Employee Handbook

Working conditions and special requirements:

• Usual hours fall within the 8-5, Monday through Friday work week although occasional other hours will be required to meet family and patient needs.
• Care is provided in a variety of settings, including homes with unpredictable        environments such as uneven surfaces and potential hazards such as animals, smoke, and exposure to communicable diseases etc.
• Person must have valid driver’s license and full access to an insured vehicle for work with expectation of significant driving.
• Person must have physical, intellectual, and emotional capability to perform all essential functions of position. Accommodations for disabilities will be made whenever possible unless such accommodations would create an undue hardship for BHS.

Evaluation:

The Social Services Coordinator provides regular informal feedback, an initial evaluation at 3 months, a second evaluation no later than after the first six months of employment, and an annual evaluation in the second quarter of the years thereafter.

Qualifications:

1. Commitment to serving the needs of the terminally ill
2. Master’s degree in Social Work from a school of social work accredited by the Council of Social Work Education.
3. Minimum of two years experience in the health care field or other demonstrated ability to work effectively with dying patients and their families
4. Experience in individual, family and/or group counseling
5. Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team
6. Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
7. Intermediate skills in email, word processing, internet, keyboarding 25/wpm and the ability to learn to use medical software at a professional level.