Social Worker - Palliative Care

JOIN US IN MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY DAY!

Hospice of The Western Reserve operates in celebration of the individual worth of each life, we strive to relieve suffering, enhance comfort, promote quality of life, foster choice in end-of-life care and support effective grieving.

WHY US?

We believe that our success starts with our greatest asset : OUR EMPLOYEES!

We live our shared core values in everything we do :

COMPASSION. EXCELLENCE. EQUALITY. INTEGRITY. SERVICE. STEWARDSHIP .

We have a passion for purpose-driven work! Do you?

JOIN OUR FAMILY!

The Social Worker is pivotal in providing counseling services and medical social work to terminally ill persons and families in collaboration with the transdisciplinary team in a variety of settings.

WHAT YOU WILL DO :

• Follows up and interacts with patients / families / caregivers and employees in a courteous and professional manner at all times.
• Participates in the transdisciplinary Navigator Support service team and provides direct, critical psychosocial support to patients and families.
• Uses professional background and skills to assist the team and facilitate patient / family meetings. Assists team, attending physicians, staff, patients and families in the clarification of treatment goals and the plan of care.
• Completes arrangements as needed for patient / family / caregiver satisfaction.
• Performs advocacy and oversight of services based on patient self-determination to assure patient and family satisfaction.
• Assists patient and family with placement arrangements.
• Facilitates formal and informal meetings regarding patient and family communication and decision making.
• Coordinates team efforts with appropriate hospital, hospice, and / or facility departments to ensure care coordination, smooth discharge planning and / or transition to appropriate services.

May assist in development of care transition model for patients.

• Assesses patient / family social and emotional factors and the need for acquisition of economic support in order to estimate their capacity and potential to cope with an incurable, end-stage illness and death.
• Develops and implements the plan of care based on a thorough psychosocial assessment and consultation with team members.
• Provides counseling services to the patient and family experiencing emotional, social and economic conflict.
• Provides grief support and education to patients and their families; helps to prepare the family for future without the patient.
• Documents patient care following established Hospice of the Western Reserve standards of documentation practice.
• Participates in the development and review of appropriate protocols and processes that support appropriate referral and consistent care.
• Adheres to established Navigator policies and procedures and all regulatory and legal requirements and practices within the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Participates in developing and implementing appropriate measures of patient care outcomes, quality and satisfaction.
• Develops and coordinates bereavement program in coordination with community and Hospice of the Western Reserve grief support services.
• Consistently follows all departmental and organizational protocols and practices to ensure service excellence is achieved with both internal and external customers, and that boundaries within the scope of practice are not exceeded.
• Actively participates in meetings at the individual, group and organizational levels, internally and externally to achieve desired outcomes.
• Works collaboratively with the transdisciplinary team to provide patient and family oriented advanced illness management services.
• Acts as a resource for staff members and orients new staff as needed.
• May perform assessments and consultations in collaboration with Navigator patient care teams.
• Evaluates and monitors patient’s insurance coverage and options in assessing patient / family ability to meet financial obligations.
• Assists patients, families and staff in acquiring and utilizing internal and community resources
• Assesses patient / family ability to meet financial obligations, offers appropriate resources and assists with activation of those resources as indicated.
• Adjusts to changes in workload and schedules based on changing departmental and organizational priorities.
• Assists Director in ensuring excellent patient care services, coordinating educational and outreach services, leading quality improvement initiatives and linking team efforts with community partners.

SUCCESS CAPABILITIES :

• MSW or BSW with current license for the state of Ohio
• Minimum of one (1) year social work experience within a recognized agency or health care organization
• Considerable knowledge of hospice and palliative care clinical standards of practice, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of community and social services resources.
• Ability to practice in accordance with HWR clinical standards of practice, policies and procedures.
• Ability to meet patient / family needs that require variable hours.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the community at all levels.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Ability to demonstrate positive customer service responsiveness.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, good driving record and auto accident insurance at a level acceptable to HWR and / or HWR’s insurer

DETAILS :

• Total Rewards Package to include Retirement, Health, Dental, Vision, voluntary benefits and Corporate Discounts
• Tuition Assistance
• Non-exempt role
• Protocols in place for wellbeing during COVID-19

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT :

• Compliance to Annual Flu Shot Policy or ability to provide exemption documentation
• Provide an active auto insurance policy as a licensed driver in the State of Ohio with the proper level of coverage as directed
• Provide an active driver’s license
• Ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• High level of integrity, ethics and professionalism.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires the duties be completed in both office-type settings and patient care settings. May include making visits to a variety of home environments with prolonged telephone or computer use at times.

Could require the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; work requires sitting, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, standing, fingering, grasping and repetitive motions;

vocal communication; hearing, and visual acuity. This position has the potential to be exposed to environmental elements, internal and external, such as infectious disease, bloodborne pathogens, and chemicals and / or chemical fumes, (pet dander and / or exposure to allergens) and adverse effects of inclement weather that may occur as well as potentially difficult patient and family situations.