Medical Social Worker BSW

Coordinate and provide medical social work services to hospice patients and families.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluate the physical, financial, psychological, spiritual and pre-bereavement needs of the patient/family in coordination with interdisciplinary team
• Assist in assessing patient appropriateness for services
• If patient is not appropriate, recommend other services available and refer to community agencies, as appropriate
• Educate the patient and family about hospice services
• Assess the financial resources of the patient and family and instruct them on coverage for hospice services,

i.e. hospice Medicare/Medicaid benefit, Medicare, private insurance as appropriate

• Discuss hospice policy on “fee for service” when appropriate
• Assess for enhanced services
• Discuss hospice volunteer, chaplain services, Veterans Honoring Veterans and, if desired, refer to volunteer coordinator and/or chaplain
• Develop plan of care with goals defined by the patient/family and hospice interdisciplinary team
• Provide social work services according to patient plan of care
• Communicate patient changes or family needs to volunteer, chaplain, massage therapist and minister, if applicable
• Assist patient/family with applications, forms, etc. for implementation of appropriate services
• Assist the physician and the interdisciplinary team (including the minister) in understanding the significant social and emotional factors related to the patient’s health problems
• Support individual coping mechanisms and facilitate constructive expression of feelings and concerns
• Evaluate the effectiveness of social work interventions on a regular basis and when changes occur in the patient/family situation
• Review and update the plan of care as changes occur in the patient’s condition and as required by regulations
• Communicate with team members on an ongoing basis, apprising the primary team of any changes
• Communicate with other social workers who might provide care in the primary social worker’s absence
• Rotate on-call responsibilities, as needed
• Conduct timely utilization reviews
• Provide support at time of death, when appropriate
• Attend funeral or receiving to provide support to family
• Participate in volunteer/staff training, as requested
• Serve palliative care patients, as assigned
• Participate with bereavement coordinators and chaplains in planning and facilitating grief support groups
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability and willingness to work with patients/families regardless of race, color, creed, age or sexual orientation. Must respect their beliefs and philosophy with an attitude of openness and receptiveness.
• Knowledge of health care systems and policies relevant to hospice population
• Knowledge and ability of working with end-of-life issues
• Knowledge and ability to apply therapeutic perspectives (i.e. conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments of patients' caregivers, and families, motivational interviewing, life review, strengths-based perspective, meaning centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, therapeutic arts and music techniques)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council of Social Work Education preferred or bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology or other field related to social work

Experience

• Two years of clinical experience preferred
• One year of social work experience in health care setting preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Visual acuity to read written documentation and computer tasks
• Ability to sit extended periods of time and perform administrative tasks
• Ability to stand, bend and lift an average of 30 pounds
• Manual dexterity with the ability to manipulate office equipment and keyboard for extended periods of time
• Ability to walk, squat, kneel, climb and balance

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have an automobile with required insurance coverage and state driver’s license

AMOREM provides MORE quality, MORE compassion and MORE support. AMOREM is committed to fostering growth and opportunity. AMOREM promotes from within and encourages all employees to apply for roles that align with their goals. AMOREM’s recruitment practices are designed to support your professional development while strengthening its mission of compassionate care. Join AMOREM in making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families every day.