Palliative Care Inpatient Social Worker (MSW) - PRN Day Shift (74523)

Job DetailsJob Location: HAMILTON PHYSICIAN GROUP - DALTON, GA 30722Position Type: PRNJob Shift: DaysJob Category: Physician OfficeThis position is an important component of our newly created inpatient palliative care program at Hamilton Medical Center.  This associate will provide support and consultation as ordered by our Palliative Healthcare Providers within the hospital setting to patients and/or families.   JOB SUMMARY The Medical Social Worker provides psychosocial support to patients and families receiving inpatient palliative care services. This role assists in complex care planning, goal-of-care discussions, emotional support, and coordination of community resources to help manage serious illness and end-of-life needs. The MSW functions as an integral member of the interdisciplinary palliative care team, collaborating with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, chaplains, and case management to support patient-centered, compassionate care.   Key Responsibilities Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for patients referred to the inpatient palliative care team. Provide counseling, emotional support, and guidance to patients and families facing complex medical and ethical decisions. Facilitate family meetings and assist with advance care planning, including completion of advance directives and identification of healthcare proxies. Support coordination of discharge planning and transitions of care in collaboration with case management and community partners (home health, hospice, skilled nursing, etc.). Advocate for patient and family preferences in care planning discussions and ensure alignment with their goals and values. Document timely and accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR) per hospital and regulatory standards. Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute to the development of individualized care plans. Provide grief and bereavement support when appropriate. Serve as a resource for hospital staff regarding palliative care principles and psychosocial support services.   Work Environment Work performed primarily in an inpatient hospital setting with occasional interactions across units or departments. Involves frequent contact with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members in emotionally sensitive circumstances.   QualificationsJOB QUALIFICATIONS Education:     Master’s degree in social work required.  Relevant certification in Palliative Care preferred. Licensure:     Current Georgia License as a MSW, LMSW, or LCSW required. Experience:  Minimum of 1 year of experience in medical, hospice, or palliative care preferred; prior hospital or acute care setting experience strongly desired. Skills: Strong communication and counseling skills. Ability to navigate sensitive discussions around goals of care and end-of-life decision making. Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and post-acute care options. Collaborative, team-oriented approach to patient care.   PHYSICAL, MENTAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS Typical office environment subject to interruptions and heavy work volume.  Moderate amount of walking required.  Moderate amount of stress in working with patients and families.  Prolonged standing and walking required for extensive periods. Manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination required.  Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.  Requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours.  Must meet state documentation requirements. Requires some exposure to communicable diseases or bodily fluids.