Job Summary:
The medical social worker is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services.
Education Required:
- A bachelor’s degree in social work from a college accredited by the Counsel on Social Work Education.
- Hold a current license by or be license eligible by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners.
Education Desired:
- Master’s degree in social work from a college accredited by the Counsel on Social Work Education.
- Hold a current license by or be license eligible by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners.
Experience Necessary:
- At least one year in medical social work.
Experience Desired:
- At least six months in the field of Hospice social work.
Essential Functions or Duties:
- Assess the psychosocial status of patients and/or their families/caregivers as related to the patient’s illness and environment through face-to-face interviews per guidelines established by agency.
- Identify needs/problems and providing intervention strategies based on those things identified.
- Maintain records of all social work activity and involvement; record contacts, developments, and changes within each case in accordance with a problem oriented care plan.
- Provide information and referral services for patients/families/caregivers; apply social work methods for the removal, lessening, or prevention of social and personal obstacles; provide support and assistance.
- Serve as liaison between patients/families/caregivers and community agencies; follow up on the actual delivery of services.
- Maintain collaborative relationships with Hospice agency personnel to support patient care.
- Identify community resources and maintain liaison with them.
- Participate in the development of the total plan of care and case conferences as required. Attends scheduled IDT meetings.
- Promote consumer participation in the planning and delivery of care.
- Assist physicians and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors relating to delivery of care.
- Participate in discharge planning as appropriate.
- Provide leadership for bereavement care in concert with other team members per guidelines established by agency.
- Initial assessments, contacts with patient/families/caregivers, and documentation will be performed within guidelines established by agency.
In addition, social worker may also be required to handle Home Heath social work referrals.
