Hospice Social Worker

Provides initial psychosocial evaluations, ongoing counseling, bereavement services, and community referrals that are appropriate to meet the specialized needs of the terminally ill.

Responsible for the assessment of psychosocial needs of patients and families as well as development of a social work plan of care reflecting problems, interventions, and outcome goals.

Implements the plan of care in conjunction with the hospice interdisciplinary team and according to hospice specific protocols and measures.

Continually evaluate appropriate hospice level of care with the interdisciplinary group. Assures a smooth transition between hospice levels of care : GIP, Routine, Continuous Care.

Facilitates conversations specific to end-of-life planning including goals of care, funeral arrangements, caregiving, guardianship and legacy work.

Participates in the QA / CQI process for Advocate Hospice.

Responsible for achievement of agency, department and personal goals and objectives.

Licensure, Registration and / or Certification Required :

Social Worker license issued by the state of employment

Valid driver's license.

Education / Experience Required :

Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work.

One year experience in a medical clinical setting or hospice / palliative care preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required :

• Knowledge of evidence-based counseling models such as family systems, strengths-based and narrative therapy, to provide short-term counseling to patients and their families;
• Understanding of family dynamics and psychosocial issues related to terminal illness;
• Ability to work effectively in stressful situations and provide crisis intervention when necessary;
• Ability to identify risk factors of complicated grief, suicide, neglect, and abuse;

Ability to recognize the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness including trauma and PTSD.

• Knowledge of issues related to anticipatory grief, death, and bereavement;
• Knowledge of community resources, advanced directives, funeral planning, and facility placement;
• Exceptional collaboration skills, advocacy abilities and ability to perform as part of an interdisciplinary team;
• Ability to identify client needs with consideration to cultural, ethnic, religious, economic, and other diverse backgrounds;
• Excellent time management, prioritizing and documentation skills;

Intermediate computer skills including EMR, presentation applications and electronic mail.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions :

Must be able to travel to all areas within the Advocate Aurora service area in all extremes of weather on all types of roads.

Exposed to widely varying social and environmental conditions in patient's neighborhoods and homes. Must be willing to work occasional overtime if needed.

Required to make visits to private residences which may not be accessible to people with disabilities.

Will be exposed to the following hazards on a frequent basis : mechanical, electrical, chemical, blood and body fluids. Will be required to wear PPE, protective clothing and equipment as needed.

Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.

Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.