IN-HOUSE HOSPICE POSITION DESCRIPTION

SOCIAL WORKER

POSITION SUMMARY

An individual who, delivers varied social work services to Hospice patients and their families. The purpose of this position is to provide initial psychosocial evaluations, ongoing psychosocial counseling, direct casework services, bereavement services, and community education, outreach and referral. The Hospice Social Worker is an integral part of the Hospice IDT.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• A Masters degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work.

• A demonstrated ability in casework, counseling and group work, including two years of clinical work experience, preferably in either a healthcare setting or hospice.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Knowledge of community and community resources.

• Knowledge and understanding of hospice philosophy and regulations.

• Ability to work independently.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Knowledge of community and community resources.

• Knowledge and understanding of hospice philosophy and regulations.

ability to work independently.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS

• Assists the Interdisciplinary Team in understanding the significant social and emotional factors related to terminal illness.

• Prepares the initial psychosocial assessment and contributes to the plan of care for all patients receiving hospice services.

• Observes records and reports information to the Interdisciplinary Team and documents in the clinical record the psychosocial, spiritual, physical, and financial conditions affecting the patient and family and the family’s coping ability.

• Provides counseling services to the patient and family.

• Provides casework to utilize appropriate community resources.

• Provides and participates in in-service education program.

• Conducts ongoing reassessments of patient/family needs and counseling as required.

• Provides short-term crisis intervention and individual or family counseling when indicated.

• Participates in the bereavement program.

• Assumes the active role of advocate for the patient/family unit.

• Develops and maintains contact with appropriate community agencies and services in order to promote interagency cooperation and to facilitate related referrals.

• Documents comprehensive psychosocial information clearly and concisely in a timely manner.

• Participates in committees, task forces and agency events as required.

• Attends staff meetings, Interdisciplinary Team and other meetings as assigned and appropriate.

• Attends appropriate continuing education programs as approved by the Program Director.

• Participates in the orientation program as assigned

• Assumes responsibility for own personal and professional development and maintenance of state of the art skills in social work.

• Exhibits Hospice philosophy in all job related roles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to read 12 point or larger type

• Able to hear and speak in a manner understood by most people.

• Communicates effectively in English both orally and in writing sufficient to prepare and send reports, interact with clients, staff and peers (proficiency in a second language corresponding to the language of a significant portion of the patient population is helpful).

• Able to stoop and bend.

• Able to lift at least 15 pounds, and carry effectively, so as to be able to perform the above listed functions.

• Ability to travel to multiple locations in the course of the working day/week.

I have reviewed this Job Description and accept the responsibilities and functions of the position

Employee: __________________________________________________ Date:_______

Supervisor: __________________________________________________ Date:_______