Responsibilities

Overview

Provides counseling, information, and direction to obtain community resources when needed for patients of the home health and hospice agency and their families, while collaborating with physicians, nurses and the allied health team according to the plan of care by performing the following duties:

Essential Functions

- Performs home visits to patient’s dwelling. Investigates case situations and presents information to members of the health team on patient's family and social background pertinent to diagnosis and treatment. - Assess patients for continuing care needs, creates plan for providing continuing care, and confers with physician and team members as needed. - Refers patient or patient's family to other community resources as is indicated; assists patients and families to complete advance directives. - Educates patients about resources, options and documents all activities in a timely manner. - The MSW provides emotional support, helps patients and families understand and accept their condition as well as accepting medical recommendations; utilizes community resources to assist patients to live in the community; responsible for travel arrangements for patients; responsible for arranging changes in levels of care and settings; - The hospice MSW participates in IDT meetings and is considered a core member of the Hospice team per regulations. - The home health MSW participates in team meetings regularly to provide input during patient case conferences and to educate team members regarding social work interventions that can be provided. - May be required to work flexible hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Masters of Social Work (MSW) from an approved graduate school of social work. Home health or hospice experience desired. One year social work experience in a healthcare setting. Experience and ability to facilitate groups.

Responsibility

Independent judgement is required. General procedures and regulations are available to guide work.

Physical Requirements

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. Climb stairs and light lifting. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.

Public Contact

Partners, physicians, patients/family, visitors, vendors