Medical Social Worker

Position Description Social Worker Primary Function: In compliance with Hospice philosophy, goals, and policies, the Social Worker functions as a member of the interdisciplinary Hospice care team; as educator, negotiator, advocate, counselor, and home care monitor.

The major focus of the Social Worker is related to medical social work and family counseling which assists patients and families with social and emotional needs and practical problems relevant to advanced illness and death.

Essential Functions: 1.

Must have a baccalaureate or masters degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

2.

Maintain current unrestricted North Carolina drivers license and maintain minimum automobile liability insurance for the duration of employment.

3.

Must be physically capable of providing patient care in a patients home and various institutional settings to include supporting, moving, and lifting adult patients, and lifting equipment and supplies.

4.

Must be available for night and weekend duty when appropriate.

5.

Must be able to interact with patients, family members, visitors, co-workers, and medical staff under a variety of circumstances.

6.

Regular, reliable attendance is essential.

7.

Must be current in health immunization requirements of North Carolina and Alderwood of Davidson County.

Supervision: Director of Support Services Qualifications: A baccalaureate or masters degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Experience in medical social work and counseling.

Ability to work with the team concept of patient/family care and to react to crisis situations independently.

Ability to work interdependently.

Knowledge of community resources.

Ability to work with community agencies and ancillary health services.

Ability to communicate clearly in writing and speaking.

Commitment to the Hospice concept and standards.

Duties: The Social Worker provides medical social services and counseling to patients and families, acts as liaison with other community resources and assists staff and other team members in under-standing significant social and emotional factors affecting a patient and family during illness and grief.

The following are the specific responsibilities of the Social Worker: Family Units 1.

Interprets to the care team the family units needs and problems as these change over time.

2.

Participates with team in developing and implementing initial and continuing care plans.

3.

Ensures that patient/family care plan is reviewed at weekly team conference.

4.

Assists family units in coping with personal and environ- mental difficulties which impinge on care related to dying, death, and grief.

5.

Acts as referral agent to community resources required to assist with concerns, needs and problems.

6.

Advises and assists family units in third party reimbursement mechanisms.

7.

Serves as advocate between families and community.

8.

Records family units data in Hospice records ...