Job Description

PURPOSE OF JOB

:


This position is responsible for evaluating the emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of a patient and/or his/her significant others and developing and implementing a plan to meet those needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB

: (other duties may be assigned)


1. Assess the needs of each patient and/or his/her significant others.

KEY MEASURES

:

Make assessment of patient and/or significant others needs upon admission of the patient into the Hospice Program. Attend initial assessment and/or complete initial assessment within 5 days of Hospice Benefit Election.



2. Develop counseling goals for each patient.

KEY MEASURES

:

Develop counseling goals and a plan of care, based upon the needs assessment on admission. Complete initial counselor/psychosocial, spiritual and bereavement risk assessments.



3. Document all interactions with patients and/or significant others.

KEY MEASURES

:

Accurately document patient and/or significant other contact on the Hospice Home Care Chart.



4. Provide direct counseling to identified and referred clients in need of intervention.

KEY MEASURES

:

Provide counseling to patients at their home. Provide patients counseling on an in-patient basis. Conduct on-going assessments. Provide direct counseling to families and/or significant others.



5. Participate in the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) and Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings.

KEY MEASURES

:

Attend IDG meetings and PAC meetings as scheduled. Maintain IDG notes and provide a Counselor Report at PAC meetings.



6. Coordinate Bereavement Care Meetings.

KEY MEASURES

:

Lead and Attend Sharing Sessions for bereaved families. Evaluate the bereavement progress through grief by review of Volunteer Documentation.



7. Investigate patient satisfaction comments for effective and efficient resolution.

KEY MEASURES

:

Follow up on each complaint received within 24 hours. Document resolution on appropriate forms. Initiate corrective actions.



8. Provide formal and informal stress management opportunities for staff.

KEY MEASURES

:

Make self available to listen to staff members and maintain confidentiality.



9. Demonstrate a professional attitude toward staff, patients and families.

KEY MEASURES

:

Efficiently and effectively use time and resources. Maintain confidentiality of personal, medical, financial and other information about staff, patients and their significant others.



10. Attend continuing education programs.

KEY MEASURES

:

Register and attend appropriate continuing education programs. Share information and knowledge gained from the continuing education programs with staff and the Bereavement Committee.

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB

:

Conduct Memorial Service. Attend Bereavement Committee functions. Perform other related duties as assigned or required. Follow standard precaution guidelines.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

:


Supervision is received by the Director/Hospice and the Social Worker.

SUPERVISION ADMINISTERED

:


This position typically does not require the supervision of staff.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF JOB

:


This position typically requires:


The ability to manage multiple projects/tasks, provide close attention to detail, adapt to a constantly changing work environment, complete much travel, work closely with others, and maintain much record-keeping/routine paperwork. The ability to frequently sit, communicate orally, hear conversation and operate a motor vehicle is also typically required. The ability to occasionally stand, walk, lift between ten and 65 pounds, and climb stairs is also typically required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position typically requires:


Frequent work outside and inside and contact with patients

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

:


This position typically does not require the use of personal protective equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS

:

Education/Training/License/Certification

:

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in psychology, sociology, social service or ministry required, master's degree preferred. Certification in Palliative social work within two years of hire, preferred

Work Experience

:

One to two years related experience and/or training preferred.

Driving Record

:
If deemed a driver in your position, a valid Driver's license and proof of insurance are required. Motor Vehicle Record checks will be performed upon hire, in addition to annually thereafter.

SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

:

Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public. Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Effective oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and organizational skills. * Knowledge of Grief Theory to support those who are bereaved.