Licensed Medical Social Worker for Hospice Services

About the role

Join us at

Affinis Hospice

• a place where you'll be valued, recognized and rewarded for the vital work you do each day. We'll surround you with a strong team and leadership that supports every aspect of your life - both inside and outside of our centers. And you'll get to practice your passion in a non-profit, mission-driven organization that's known for the highest level of care in our communities

Essential Duties and Responsibilites

• Assumes primary responsibility for medical social services for Hospice patients and families.
• Assesses patient/family social and emotional factors in order to estimate their capacity and potential to cope with the terminal illness and death.
• Assesses patient/family ability to meet financial obligations and offer appropriate resources and activate resources as indicated.
• Evaluates patient's insurance coverage and options in this regard.
• Collaborates with other members of the Interdisciplinary Group to develop a comprehensive plan of care and goals within two days of the start of the patient's care and as necessary throughout the provision of services to assure response to the patient's/family changing needs.
• Provides patient/family-psychosocial support services that are consistent with the established plan of care under medical supervision, to include bereavement counseling in situations determined to be high risk.
• Accurately documents observations, interventions and evaluations pertaining to patient care management and services provided in accordance with Hospice Services policy and procedures on the day services are rendered. Submits documentation in a timely manner
• Assists patient, family and staff in utilizing community resources.
• Supervises counseling activity provided by Hospice Services.
• Assists in discharge planning from Hospice Services when care is no longer appropriate.
• Participates in Interdisciplinary Group conference and facilitates discussions of issues relating to the psychosocial component of Hospice care.
• As a member of the Interdisciplinary Group, assists team members in understanding the significant social and emotional factors related to care of the terminally ill patient and the family.
• Participates in Hospice Services orientation and in-service training programs for professional staff.
• Participates in the orientation, training and coordination of volunteers working in the Hospice programs as appropriate.
• Participates in Hospice Services and community programs and presentations as requested to promote professional growth and understanding of Hospice care and increase public awareness.
• Promotes the image and reputation of the System by exhibiting servant leadership and providing direct and open lines of communication.
• Contributes to the work of committees, workgroups, project management, and other collaborative efforts of the System.
• Performs other duties as necessary to ensure the success of the System.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES.

• Must be able to function in a practice environment with minimal direct supervision, accepting personal responsibility for maintaining a professional relationship with Hospice's patients and their families.
• Extensive knowledge of healthcare and long-term care organizations and their structure.
• Considerable ability to plan and direct subordinate staff in the execution of their activities and prioritize workload.
• Ability to effectively communicate and present information in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, department heads, administrators, member organization presidents and their leadership teams, and the general public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters or Doctorate degree in social work from an accredited school of social work.
• At least two years of experience in a health care setting.
• Completed MSW licensure requirements and have a valid License to practice in the state of Georgia.
• If the state has registration practices, registration to practice as a Medical Social Worker in the state(s) in which the Hospice is certified if applicable.
• Ability to meet Hospice's conditions of employment regarding health clearance, and provisions of professional references.
• Transports self to patient's home/facility, may be in multiple locations in a workday.