Social Worker - Hospice of Santa Cruz County

Job Summary

Bilingual in E/S required for this position.

The Hospice Social Worker is a member of the Interdisciplinary Group responsible for the co-case management of hospice patients and families. In collaboration with patient/family, physician and interdisciplinary team, develops and coordinates an individualized Plan of Care (POC) that reflects patient/family centered goals related to Safe & Comfortable Dying, Self-Determined Life Closure, and Effective Bereavement. Also addresses the multiple psychosocial issues that affect Hospice patients and their families/caregivers.

Essential Responsibilities

Patient and Family Care/Case Management

• Recognizes the patient and family as a "unit of care"
• Develops an individualized documented plan of care reflecting patient/family goals and provides social work services as outlined in the plan of care
• Identifies and monitors potential psychosocial hot spots.
• Provides co-case management support for issues related to care giving, advance directives, funeral planning, community resources and insurance benefit oversight
• Provides co-case management support for issues related to grief and loss, family dynamics and psychosocial history
• Collaborates with IDG regarding changes in patient status and POC
• Exercises professional expertise in managing and coordinating care between and among involved parties in home, SNF and RCFE setting
• Exercises good clinical judgment in the performance of all duties
• Understands and properly utilizes changing network of community resources
• Respects patient right to self-determination and acts as an advocate within the context of the vision, mission, values and ethical standards of HSCC.
• Assists Admission department with resourcing, assessment, information and registration process as requested
• Insures documentation is accurate, organized, legible, and a complete reflection of services provided as well as an interdisciplinary approach to care. Utilizes only approved abbreviations to ensure clarity of documentation
• Demonstrates the ability to articulate the parameters of hospice care and services
• Demonstrates the ability to work with patients/families under stress and in crisis
• Demonstrates understanding of Hospice Medicare/Medi-Cal Benefit and third party payors
• Demonstrates professional demeanor, tact, and respect in dealing with all patients, families, staff and volunteers
• Responds with flexibility to the changing needs within the assigned caseload
• Participates in rotation of weekend and holiday Social Work coverage as needed/requested
• Performs other related job duties as assigned by Supervisor

Compliance

• Ensures all HIPAA Privacy and Security Regulations, Medicare Conditions of Participation, State and Federal Laws and all other regulatory/compliance requirements are understood and followed
• Submits verification of MSW degree from accredited school, passes OIG/GSA and background checks
• Submits acknowledgement of auto insurance annually; keeps drivers license current and maintains a good driving record
• Insures TB checks are completed in a timely manner; at least annually

Productivity

• Manages a caseload as required by performance standards
• Provides visit frequencies that are within established agency standards
• Follows all requirements for obtaining approval for overtime
• Completes Psychosocial Assessment in a timely manner as required by performance standards
• Provides concise and timely reports to appropriate team members as required by standards
• Documents in a timely manner, all activities and services provided using electronic medical records systems
• Submits completed time logs within the required time frames

IDG Participation

• Functions as a member of the IDG maintaining open & organized communication with hospice staff, volunteers and supervisor.
• Functions as social worker for hospice patients/families in the coordination/provision of care.
• Participates in IDG meetings in a manner that promotes problem solving, care planning and learning.

Quality Improvement

• Meets all standards and requirements as indicated by licensing and accrediting agencies
• Participates in continuing education opportunities both within and outside the agency
• Participates in activities that affirm, enhance and develop the highest quality standards for HSCC
• Participates in Quality Assessment & Improvement activities as requested

Special Projects

• Participates in special projects as requested.

Requirements

Education

• Master of Social Work degree required from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Experience

• Minimum of 1 year of Social Work experience in a healthcare setting required
• Prefer previous experience in hospice or other end-of-life care and services
• Solid experience and/or aptitude with computer systems and electronic medical record systems and charting

Skills Desired

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Skilled in tact and diplomacy
• Capable of bringing appropriate level of sensitivity and compassion to patients/families facing terminal illness, death and bereavement
• Understands how to hold and apply appropriate boundaries for care
• Knowledge of community social work services, resources and operational standards
• Understanding of all applicable laws and regulations related to social work licensing
• Understands and utilizes solid ethics in decision making and activities
• Bilingual in English/Spanish required

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations

• LCSW or related license preferred but not required

Physical Demands

• Ability to travel to patient locations; includes ability to drive, negotiate stairs and walkways including uneven surfaces at private homes or facilities.
• Sufficient dexterity to utilize electronic record keeping systems, computers/keyboards and/or laptops and other related equipment
• Vision ability to read manual and electronic documentation, charts, office related equipment, instructions
• Hearing ability within normal range to elicit and detect pertinent information while communicating with patients and health team
• Speech to verbally communicate to assess and impart information concerning patient status; to complete patient/family teaching and to interact with health care team

Work Environment

• Performs services in private homes and care facilities and will experience a variety of settings and situations.
• Office work is performed in typical office setting.