Medical Social Worker

Job Summary
The Medical Social Worker (MSW) will provide supportive and medical social services to terminally ill patients and their families in accordance with an appropriate plan of care. The Medical Social Worker will assume responsibility for the development, implementation, and management of psychosocial services provided to hospice patients and families in the home care or residential setting.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work required; Masters degree preferred.
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the State of California.
• Three years recent (within the past five years) experience in acute, long-term care or home care/hospice, with at least one in hospice or homecare preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources including Medicare / Medi-cal, financial aid, county, state, and private social services agencies.
• Must be able to work independently, have demonstrated patient care planning and patient teaching skills and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have general computer skills and a working knowledge of the internet.
• Valid CA Drivers License and daily access to a reliable and insured vehicle.
• Belief in the hospice concept.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Assess patient/family social and emotional factors in order to estimate their potential to cope with terminal illness and death.
• Provide psychosocial counseling and support to the patient/family experiencing emotional, social and economic conflict.
• Assist patient/family and staff in utilizing community resources.
• Assess patient/family financial and insurance status and assist with appropriate resources as indicated.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team (IDT) meeting to establish, review and revise the plan of care for each patient, including exchange of information, review of problems, and sharing of professional support.
• Responsible for maintenance of electronic medical records, assuring accuracy, completeness and compliance with regulations, certification standards, legal and ethical standards.
• Identify and address comfort care needs in collaboration with other members of the Homecare team.
• Support, instruct and educate the patient, family, and caregiver.
• Coordinate all patient and family services.
• Maintain the dignity of the dying patient.
• Support the patient's and family's unique spiritual and cultural beliefs.
• Provide holistic, family-centered care across treatment settings to improve the quality of life.
• Consult and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and others involved in the patient's care.

Expectations

• Adhere to all EZ Comfort Hospice Care policies and procedures.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of all information pertaining to patients, families, and staff and adhere to all HIPAA rules.
• Display a positive and professional image and attitude in all relationships with patients, families, peers and in the community.
• Serve as an ambassador for EZ Comfort Hospice Care at all times.
• Provide verbal and written performance evaluations for assigned staff members, including peer and self evaluation.
• Demonstrate ongoing responsibility for self education.
• Assume responsibility for the promotion of the hospice concept in the community and with other agencies and professionals.
• Participate in the Quality Assessment Performance Improvement Program (QAPI), as requested.
• Maintains patient and personal safety regarding occupational health and safety.
• Participate in safety program, as requested.
• Participate in employee job safety analysis to eliminate hazards and prevent accidents.
• Promote and support safety awareness and implement safety operations.
• Encourage staff to make suggestions on safety practices.
• Participate in orientation of new employees.
• Participate in volunteer orientations, training and education as requested.
• Participate in orientation and supervision for students seeking experience in hospice care.
• Attend regularly scheduled department meeting and agency meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical and Environmental Demands and/or Conditions 

• Sitting 5 - 8 hours/day.
• Standing 1 - 2 hours/day.
• Walking 1 - 2 hours/day.
• Reaching 0.5 hour/day – 8 ft., higher or lower.
• Use of telephone 2 - 3 hours/day.
• Working under pressure 3 – 4 hours/day.
• Working rapidly for long periods 4 - 5 hours/day.
• Use of keyboard/computer, printer, fax, copier 4 – 5 hours/day.
• Position requires close work; finger dexterity; good vision, hearing, and oral communication.
• May occasionally work longer than 8 hours/day.

Other Non-Physical Requirements 

• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and company requirements and in good working order. 
• Must furnish own cell phone; plan must include texting. 

Working Conditions 

• Subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents/patients, family members, personnel, and visitors. 
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary. 
• Must attend and participate in in-house education programs. 
• Subject to falls, odors, etc. throughout the workday. 
• There may be a fluctuating workload with periods of stress and deadlines.
• Frequent travel is required; up to several hours of driving per day. 
• Exposure to variable weather conditions is likely. 
• General office environment is favorable; lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc..