Medical Social Worker (MSW)

Description

The Hospice Social Services will provide emotional support and assistance to patients, families and caregivers facing end-of-life challenges. Helping them to navigate the complexities of hospice care and available resources with the utmost sensitivity and compassion.  

Schedule: Part-Time, Dayshift 9-5, Weekdays with occasional on call visits

Benefits: mileage is reimbursed!

Primary Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients’ social, emotional, and environmental needs to develop tailored care plans. 
• Provide counseling and emotional support to patients, families, and caregivers coping with terminal illness, grief, and loss.  
• Assist patients and families in accessing community resources, including financial assistance, transportation, and support services. 
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to integrate social services into the overall care plan, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care. 
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers about available hospice services, support groups, and coping strategies. 
• Advocate for patients’ rights and needs within the healthcare system and community. 
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation for assessments, interventions and patient progress in accordance with agency policies and regulatory standards. 
• Participate in team meetings to discuss patient cases and contribute to care planning. 
• Stay informed about community resources, regulations, and trends in home health and social services. 
• Adhere to all safety protocols and infection control measures. 
• Adhere to infection control and safety procedures to protect patients and staff. 
• Perform all other duties assigned.  

Requirements

Job Qualifications: 

• Bachelors’ degree in Social Work or related field.
• Current Social Worker license in the state where work is performed. 
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in social services, preferably in hospice or palliative care settings.
• Strong understanding of community resources and social service programs. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. 
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to build rapport with patients through a compassionate and caring demeanor.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and transfer patients, or medical equipment with or without assistance, up to 50lbs only when needed to assist clinical staff.  
• Capability to perform physical tasks such as bending, standing, walking, and climbing stairs for extended periods. 
• Strength to handle medical equipment and assist patients with mobility and physical activities. 
• Visual acuity and dexterity for performing tasks such as reading medical records, administering injections, and handling medical instruments. 
• Ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to emergency situations.
• Capacity to work in various home environments which may include navigating stairs, tight spaces, or uneven surfaces. 
• Maintain regular attendance and timeliness as set forth within the work schedule designated by the department supervisor/manager.
• Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. 
• The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.