Hospice Social Worker - Willowbrook Hospice

I.  QUALIFICATIONS 

 Master degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Must have at least two years of experience working with geriatric population in a healthcare setting. Two years hospice experience is preferred. Must have strong communication skills and the ability to relate positively to others. Must have the ability to work with fellow employees and volunteers. Must be effective in working with different levels of health care providers, and able to express the hospice concept to families, patients, community, volunteers, staff, and other professionals.

 II.  RESPONSIBILITIES

 The Social Worker works as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team to:

·       Assess the psychosocial/spiritual needs of patient/family.

·       Evaluate patient insurance coverage and financial status and refer to appropriate agencies for assistance. 

·       Provide social service activities related to terminally ill patients and their families, including planning, treatment, and consultation with other staff.

·       Assist in the development and implementation of the patient/family Plan of Care.

·       Participate with Self Managed Care Teams to provide support and education for patient/families based on the hospice philosophy of care. 

·       Participate in IDT meetings and keep team members informed of changes in patient/family psych social  work POC.

·       Provide counseling to patients/families and hospice staff as needed.

·       Relate positively to various types of personalities and family dynamics, and deal effectively with angry, hostile, or grief reactions.

·       Make referrals to community resources as appropriate to meet patient/family needs.

·       Participate in bereavement follow-up services as required.

·       Maintain adequate, complete, and timely records of all activities and services provided to patients/families.

·       Assist in the orientation and training of volunteers, staff, physicians, and community members as requested.

·       Assist in the development of support groups and other special programs, as necessary.

·       Participate in CQI and Utilization Review programs.

·       Work as a team member at all times.

·       Maintain and uphold the Hospice Code of Ethics.

 III. JOB CONDITIONS

Job requires the ability to:

·       Access patients’ homes and all rooms therein

·       Drive a car.

·       Communicate effectively with patient/families both verbally and written.

IV.  ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

Willowbrook Hospice will provide orientation and training on Hospice philosophy and procedures as necessary, to assist the Social Worker in performing the responsibilities listed above. Training may be in-house, or outside seminars. Evidence of orientation and training will become part of the personnel file.

V.  ACCOUNTABILITY

 Reports directly to the Executive Director.