Job Description
Job Description
Social Worker – Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care
Weekly Pay | Mileage Reimbursement
Pay Range: $32 - 42/hr (based on experience)
This is a full-time 40-hour per week position. The purpose of this position is to provide initial psychosocial evaluations, ongoing psychosocial counseling, direct casework services, bereavement services, and community education, outreach, and referrals. Responsible for the delivery of varied social work services to a caseload of hospice patients and families, and actively participate as a member of the hospice interdisciplinary team. The hospice social worker may also provide visits or assistance to other patients/families being served by programs of the hospice as needed.
Essential Job Functions
- 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 a safe environment, or an alternative caregiving plan is indicated.
- 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 relation to stress and other identified coping difficulties. Provides crisis intervention when necessary.
- Assesses for and educates the 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.
- Point of Service documentation is an expectation of all clinical personnel for quality care, accuracy, and communication standards. The clinician is expected to appropriately document, have timely synchronization of patient data & effectively communicate with the Patient Care Team.
- Educates patients and families on, and assists in, preparation of advanced directives, durable power of attorney, and funeral arrangements as needed.
- Provides information and referral services for the organization’s patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.
- Develops and maintains contacts with public and private agencies as resources for patients/caregivers. Serves as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and these agencies.
- Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
- Participates in the development of the plan of care, involving the patient and family, assisting the team in recognizing the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness.
- Assists the physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.
- Participates in discharge planning.
- Keeps supervisor informed of potentially problematic patient/family issues and significant changes in patient status.
- Manages multiple priorities and demonstrates effective problem-solving and decision-making.
- Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development. Maintains and improves professional knowledge and skills through continuing education and in-service.
- Participates in the agency Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement Program.
- Maintain quality and productivity standards and participate in the measurement of these standards.
- Meets individual program expectations and goals as identified through performance appraisal, annual plan, and by supervisor.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
(Minimum qualifications will be considered required unless specifically stated otherwise.
Experience:
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience in health care.
- Experience in a hospice care preferred.
- Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying.
Education and Training:
(Acquired through formal education, outside study, training on jobs of lesser degree, or by any combination of these. May be expressed in terms of formal educational equivalents):
- A graduate of a Master’s program in social work accredited by the Council on
Social Work Education.
License, Certification & Registration:
- Possesses and maintains current CPR Certification.
- Current Massachusetts licensure: LCSW
- Valid driver’s license
Other Requirements:
- Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication and organization skills.
Working Relationships:
- Title of direct supervisor: Clinical Director
- Additional supervision received from: Executive Director, Family Support & Bereavement Coordinator, Clinical Supervisors.
- Title of position(s) supervised: N/A
- Contacts (external/ internal): Palliative Care NP, RN Case Managers, Spiritual Counselors, Hospice Aides
Working Conditions
- Uniform / Dress Requirements: Per policy
Work Environment:
Location/ Working Conditions
- Work space is assigned in the Greenfield office and is a busy, professional office with a moderate level of noise, activity and interaction with others. Significant travel is required using the employee’s vehicle. The majority of hours will be spent attending meetings in the office, in community, or in patient/family homes where space, climate, facilities and access may vary.
- Working Conditions: May be exposed to infections and contagious diseases. Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances. May be exposed to/occasionally exposed to patient elements. Subject to varying and unpredictable situations. Handles emergency or crisis situations. Travel required.
- May be exposed to extremes of heat and cold in all weather conditions. Must drive in various weather conditions on roads of varying degrees and repair.
- OSHA exposure category: Category II
- Category I ― Position includes tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues.
- Category II ―Position includes tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues, but employment may require unplanned Category I tasks.
- Category III ― Position includes tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues; would not be required to perform Category I tasks.