HMC - Medical Social Worker - Cates House

Responsible for the Initial Bereavement Assessment of  families and care givers.  Assists in the development of the Bereavement Plan of Care.  Assists patients and their families with issues which predispose illness or interfere with obtaining maximum benefits from medical care.  Provides counseling services to families as needed by performing the following duties:

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

            Include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.


* Maintains effective communication with Hospice Admissions Team, Volunteer Department staff, and primary team staff with regard to referrals.



* Interviews family unit/significant others to assess situation and potential psychosocial  needs.



* Develops bereavement component of the family plan of care within 24 hours following the assessment.


* Carries out responsibilities consistent with the standards and guidelines of Hospice of  Marion County, the hospitals and the profession.



* Maintains confidentiality of patient/family information in accordance with agency and professional standards.



* Adheres to professional standards of practice for Social Workers.


* Maintains current knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid programs in relation to admission procedures and qualifications for skilled nursing facilities (SNF's).



* Identifies Social Services needs of the family unit and sets goals to meet those needs.


* Reviews financial status of bereaved as needed, in finding financial support.



* Works in close collaboration with physicians and other health care personnel as appropriate to evaluate and further bereaved’s understanding of significant social and emotional factors related to their loss and grief.


* Helps family through individual or group support to understand the impact of loss and grief.


* Utilizes community resources to assist bereaved to resume life in the community.



* Prepares histories, assessments, service plans, and reports in a thorough, accurate, and timely fashion.


* Makes  professional evaluations and responds with appropriate intervention including crisis intervention.


* Possesses awareness and acceptance of various life styles without imposing personal values on the family unit.



* Maintains a high level of understanding of Medicare, Medicaid, insurance, AIDS waiver, and alternate reimbursement programs. 


* Facilitates bereavement support groups ensuring positive outcome for Hospice and for community organizations.


* Completes bereavement risk assessment or initial bereavement assessment.


* Provides pre-bereavement counseling.


* Covers Clinical Coordinator in their absence.


* Participates in On-Call rotation and provides on- call coverage as needed on a 7 day, 24 hours a day basis.


* Provides basic counseling (up to 6 sessions) for bereaved families.


* Provides staff and community in-services relating to social services/bereavement ...