Hospice: Medical Social Worker

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm 

Position Summary 

The social worker contracted or employed through the organization is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services and for adherence to all conditions in the Service or Employment Agreement which include providing care based on the Social Work Practice Act. 

Position Functions and Responsibilities 

• Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment and communicates findings to the RN Case Manager 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.  

• Includes communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos. 

• Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work prepares clinical and progress notes. 

• 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.   

• Includes communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos. 

• Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work prepares clinical and progress notes. 

• 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 emotion-al 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. 

• Follow all Emergency and Response Procedures 

• Identifies home safety issues and notifies RN Case Manager or Hospice Administrator of concerns or issues 

• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality. 

• Injury – Now What?  Follows protocols  

• Overview of Process, Types of Reports and Forms 

• Follow-up Required – Escalating Event  

• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications  

• Minimum of one year of experience in health care. 

• Experience in a home health care setting preferred. 

• 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). 

• Minimum of one (1) year's experience in health care, hospice experience preferred.  

• Experience in a hospice care preferred. 

• Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying. 

• Current and active Medical Social Worker license in the state of Minnesota. 

• Must be licensed with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is in good working order. 

• Verification of COVID vaccine status or receiving an approved exemption. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Assessment skills 

• Creativity and Ability to Solve Problems  

• Implementation, Follow-through, and Accountability  

• Time Management and Prioritization  

• Relationship Skills 

• Communication:  Oral and Written  

• Customer Focus/Customer Service  

• Flexibility and Adaptability  

• Stress Management 

• Team Player 

• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills. 

• Experience using technology including:  Microsoft Office, Smart Phone, Calendaring, Clinical Software platforms (EMR), Wi-Fi, Printers, and Internet Browsing 

• Ability to follow written instructions  

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