Social Worker -Hospice - Swan Hospice

Swan Hospice is actively seeking a Full/part Time / Per Diem MSW to join our team in Central New Jersey.

We provide quality hospice care to patients in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and in private homes.

A. BASIC PURPOSE

This is a professional position responsible for the provision of a wide range of psychosocial services to terminally ill patients and their families, including completing the comprehensive psychosocial assessment and regularly assessing the patient and family psychosocial needs on an ongoing basis. The social worker also completes the bereavement risk assessment of the family and provides counseling relative to anticipatory grief issues. Upon completion of the assessment, a psychosocial plan of care is developed with the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and the patient/family. It is the role of the social worker to implement and continually revise and reassess this plan relative to the psychosocial and potential bereavement issues of the patient and family. The social work services provided may include but are not limited to: supportive counseling, problem solving, referrals to community resources, pre-bereavement counseling and support.

B. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Social Work Services

1. Conduct initial comprehensive psychosocial and bereavement risk assessment of patient/family/caregiver in a thorough, accurate, and compassionate fashion within five (5) calendar days after the patient’s election of hospice care.
2. Function as a support person for the patient/family/caregiver on an ongoing basis.
3. Function as an expert and facilitator at obtaining and making referrals to community resources to meet the needs of patients and families and obtaining financial assistance when indicated.
4. Coordinates resources for respite care needs.
5. Assist family/caregiver in placement of patient in a facility for basic care needs, respite or inpatient when appropriate/indicated.
6. Provide psychosocial and anticipatory grief counseling to patients, families, caregivers and significant others relative to the impact and implications of the terminal disease and patient care.
7. Attend and actively participate in IDT meetings and contribute positively to patient care planning.
8. As directed and requested by the Administrator or Director of Nursing, conduct bereavement visits or contacts and/or support groups as appropriate.
9. Works in concert with other hospice IDT members.
10. Provide and maintain a safe environment for the patient.
11. Assist patient/family/caregiver and other team members in providing continuity of care.

Resource Utilization

1. Coordinates travel time for visits and manages a caseload to deliver care in a cost-effective manner that demonstrates an understanding of hospice reimbursement methodologies.

2. Assure proper maintenance of records per agency guidelines.

3. Participates in evening/weekend on-call rotation as required, conducting on-call services in a clinically competent and responsive manner.

4. Functions independently, but seeks and accepts guidance from other members of the IDT and members of the community, as deemed necessary and appropriate.

5. Complies with local, state and federal laws, Medicare Hospice Conditions of Participation, New Jersey Hospice standards and agency policies and procedures.

6. Conducts all business activities in a professional and ethical manner.

Customer Service

1. Demonstrates the highest degree of customer awareness by seeking out opportunities to identify and meet the needs of internal and external customers.

2. Is receptive to questions and criticism, and willing to offer assistance.

3. Maintains accountability for patient satisfaction throughout the episode of care.

Quality Assessment/Performance Improvement (QAPI)

1. Participates in the performance improvement process by finding opportunities for continuous monitoring and identification of patient outcomes, intra/interdepartmental and environmental concerns.

2. Displays a willingness to utilize problem solving techniques to insure appropriate interventions and resolutions.

3. Participates in clinical record review.

4. Assists and serves on committees and projects as requested.

Secondary Duties

1. Performs speaking engagements on hospice and provides in-service education to contractors, referral sources and other appropriate groups, as required.

2. Attends staff meetings and inservice education programs and actively participates.

3. Completes a minimum of twelve (12) hours of inservices per year.

4. Performs other duties as assigned.

C. HUMAN RELATIONS

1. Must maintain a professional attitude and demeanor and is be able to communicate effectively and relate courteously and cooperatively with patients, caregivers, colleagues, supervisors, co-workers and all others.

2. Must be able to demonstrate optimism, enthusiasm and willingness to work constructively with other health care team members and reflect concern for the well being of patients and employees.

3. Interacts with all staff in a positive and motivational fashion supporting the mission and vision of the organization.

D. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (See Attached Physical Requirements Form.)

1. Visual/hearing ability must be sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communication.

2. Excellent verbal communication skills are needed.

3. Able to effectively manage stress.

4. Manual dexterity sufficient for writing, keyboarding and telephone operation.

5. Able to work in a variety of settings and conditions in patient’s homes and facilities.

E. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Education

a. Has a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from a graduate school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSW) in accordance with N.J.S.A 45:15BB-1 et seq. and N.J.A.C 13:44G.

2. Experience

a. Has minimum one (1) year of post-master’s social work experience in a health care setting in accordance with N.J.S.A 45:15BB-1 et seq. and N.J.A.C 13:44G.

b. Understanding of Hospice philosophy, principles of death/dying.

c. Hospice or home care experience desired.

d. Ability to assess patient needs and formulate individualized patient care plans to meet those needs.

e. Ability to work in a field setting and exhibit ability to make sound judgments.

f. Must have effective communication, comprehension, documentation, interpersonal and computer skills.

3. Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification

a. Must possess current license as a Social Worker by the New Jersey State Board of Social Work Examiners.

b. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile in good working condition and have automobile insurance in accordance with New Jersey laws.

c. Satisfactory criminal background and national sex offender checks.

d. Satisfactory references from employers and/or professional peers.