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: PRN, Weekdays, 8AM - 5PM
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
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Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients’ social, emotional, and environmental needs to develop tailored care plans.
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Provide counseling and emotional support to patients, families, and caregivers coping with terminal illness, grief, and loss.
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Assist patients and families in accessing community resources, including financial assistance, transportation, and support services.
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Collaborate with healthcare providers to integrate social services into the overall care plan, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care.
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Educate patients, families, and caregivers about available hospice services, support groups, and coping strategies.
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Advocate for patients’ rights and needs within the healthcare system and community.
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Maintain accurate and confidential documentation for assessments, interventions and patient progress in accordance with agency polices and regulatory standards.
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Participate in team meetings to discuss patient cases and contribute to care planning.
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Stay informed about community resources, regulations, and trends in home health and social services.
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Adhere to all safety protocols and infection control measures.
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Adhere to infection control and safety procedures to protect patients and staff.
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Perform all other duties assigned.
Requirements:
Job Qualifications:
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Masters degree in social work.
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Current Medical Social Worker license in the state where you are working , LISW or LMSW required.
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At least 1 year experience in social services preferred.
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Any experience in a Hospice setting is preferred, but not required.
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Strong understanding of community resources and social service programs.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability interact effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
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Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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Ability to build rapport with patients through a compassionate and caring demeanor.
Physical Requirements:
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Ability to lift and transfer patients, or medical equipment with or without assistance, up to 50lbs only when needed to assist clinical staff.
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Capability to perform physical tasks such as bending, standing, walking, and climbing stairs for extended periods.
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Strength to handle medical equipment and assist patients with mobility and physical activities.
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Visual acuity and dexterity for performing tasks such as reading medical records, administering injections, and handling medical instruments.
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Ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to emergency situations.
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Capacity to work in various home environments which may include navigating stairs, tight spaces, or uneven surfaces.
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Maintain regular attendance and timeliness as set forth within the work schedule designated by the department supervisor/manager.
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Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
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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.
