Hospice Medical Social Worker

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description – Medical Social Worker

SUPERVISOR : Director of Nursing

FLSA STATUS : Exempt

SUMMARY : At the request of the patient or family, the Medical Social Worker is responsible for assessing the psychosocial, community service or economic needs of the patient and family.  In conjunction with the IDG, develops a Plan of Care to meet the identified needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO INCLUDE :

Performs an in-depth psychosocial service assessment to determine the needs of the patient or family.

Provides short-term counseling services to patients and families.

As a member of the IDG, participates in the development of the Plan of Care.

Document all interactions with patients and families.

Maintains knowledge of state Medicaid requirements, Advance Directives, POA / DPOA issues and any changes that occur.

Assists with discharge planning or transfer arrangements as needed.

Develops and maintains a list of community resources and advises patients and families of the availability of community services.

Provides referrals to community resources for patients / families.

Assists family in completing Medicaid application as necessary.

Participates in bereavement activities as requested.

Performs on-call duties as required.

Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement activities as needed.

Has a responsibility to participate in staff training and education programs.

Performs other duties as assigned.

STANDARDS / BENCHMARKS

Human Relations

Job Skills

Work Quality

Responsibility

Attitude

Initiative

Works Independently

Communication Skills

Stress Tolerance

Attendance

General Appearance

Dependability

Follows Company Policy

Timely Documentation

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the essential job duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those stated in this description.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS :

Master’s degree in Social Work.  Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) required.

One year experience as a social worker.  Hospice or homecare experience preferred.

Experience with local community resources preferred.

Excellent communication and public relations skills.

Reliable transportation, current driver license and current auto insurance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

The physical demands described are those needed for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

The employee is regularly required to sit at desk or in meetings for long periods of time; to stand, walk, climb, stoop, and kneel, for two to five minutes intermittently throughout the day; to use hands and fingers, and handle and feel objects such as patients supplies or office equipment; to drive to and from appointments; to reach with hands and arms; to lift, carry, push and pull 20-25 lbs. intermittently; to talk; to hear; and to have clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and at 20 feet or more with the ability to adjust focus in order to read and write reports and to drive safely.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The employee regularly travels to patient homes and community appointments in a variety of weather conditions and will be exposed to the weather while walking to and from the vehicle.  The employee may occasionally be exposed to noise or vibrations while traveling or working with office or medical equipment and will rarely be exposed to electric shock, radiation, toxic waste, fumes, odors, dust, contagious disease, bloodborne pathogens, animals, or pests while performing duties within the community or in patient homes.