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Hospice Social Worker, Per Diem
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JOB SUMMARY:
The social worker is responsible for the
implementation of standards of care for medical
social services for Desert Valley Hospice &
Palliative Care.
MAJOR JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Promotes and practices the Desert Valley Hospice and Palliative Care
philosophy
and mission: To honor life and provide compassionate,
high-quality care that
enhances the lives of individuals with life
limiting illness.
• Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and
families/caregivers related to the
patient’s terminal illness and environment and
communicates findings to the
registered nurse case manager and other members
of the interdisciplinary
group (IDG).
• Provides an assessment in the patient’s
identified residence and assistance when
this is not safe, and another plan is required.
• Conducts social evaluations, including family
dynamics, caregiver abilities,
communication patterns, high-risk for suicide,
neglect or abuse and plans for
intervention based on evaluation findings.
• Counsels patients and family/caregivers as
needed in relationship stress and other
identified coping difficulties, providing crisis
intervention when necessary.
• Assesses for, and educates the IDG, on any
special needs related to the culture of
the patient and family/caregiver. Includes
communication, role of family, space
and any other special traditions or taboos.
• Attends IDG meetings as a member of the IDG.
• Maintains clinical records on all patients as
referred to social work.
• Educates patients and families/caregivers on,
and assists in, preparation of
advance directives.
• Provides information and referral services for
patients and families/caregivers
regarding practical and environmental needs.
• Provides information to patients and
families/caregivers and community agencies.
• Serves as liaison between patients and
families/caregivers and community
agencies.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with Desert Valley Hospice and Palliative
Care personnel to support patient care.
• Maintains and develops contracts with public and
private agencies as re- sources
for patients and Desert Valley Hospice and Palliative Care personnel.
• Participates in the development of the
individualized plan of care, involving the
patient and family and attends regularly
scheduled IDG meetings, assisting the
team in recognizing the effects of the
psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of
the terminal illness.
• Assists physician and other team members in
understanding significant social and
emotional factors related to health problems and
death/dying issues.
• Advances professional knowledge and skills.
• Actively participates in quality assessment
performance improvement teams and
activities.
• Accepts and performs other related duties and
responsibilities as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
• A
Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an institution accredited by the
Council on Social Work Education, or
• A
baccalaureate degree in psychology, sociology or other field related to
social work
• Minimum
of one (1) years’ experience in health care, hospice experience
preferred.
• Valid
driver’s license and evidence of insurance coverage
SKILLS/ABILITIES/KNOWLEDGE:
• Ability
to work as a team member
• Knowledge
and commitment to hospice philosophy
• Demonstrates
good verbal and written communication and organization
skills
• Express
or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word
• Communicate
effectively with people of all socioeconomic backgrounds
• Understanding
of grief response and experience with counseling individuals
and/or in groups regarding loss
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Ability
to remain alert and act in a safe manner in patient’s homes and/or
institutional settings with a potential exposure
to infections, communicable
diseases, odors, blood, excreta and hazardous
materials
• Endure
long periods of driving
• Stand,
walk and/or sit for extended periods of time
• Ambulate on rough
surfaces and climb stairs