Job Description

The Palliative Care Social Worker provides comprehensive psychosocial support and counseling to patients and their families as the navigate challenges of serious illness, end-of-life care, and bereavement. The position is an integral part of the interdisciplinary palliative care team, working collaboratively with the entire care team to ensure that patients and families receive holistic care that aligns with the mission and values of the health system.



This position includes facilitating family meetings, working with anticipatory grief and difficult family dynamics, understanding placement options and appropriate social, financial and legal services.


Attends to the needs of the advanced complex illness population Consistently displays sensitivity and the ability to support patients/families in care decisions and assisting with short- and long-term goals, consistent with the medical plan of care. Adjusts work schedule as needed to meet the needs of the patients/families. Demonstrates understanding of the burden of complex illness and the effects on family members Provides emotional support to patients and families and/or groups of patients who may exhibit feelings of anxiety and stress precipitated by illness and hospitalization. Collaboration -Works with Hospital Case Manager or Social Worker to identify discharge needs, assists with coordination, problem solving and planning to ensure seamless continuum of patient care. Assures appropriate clinical information is provided to outside agencies.
1. TECHNICAL TASKS


a. Maintain continuous documentation of productivity for the department.


b. Collects data for the purpose of Continuous Quality Improvement.


c. Obtain basic information that is needed through the computer system.


d. Records in patient's charts with accuracy and timeliness on behalf of the patient as necessary


e. Provide on call service on a rotating basis with other members of Social Service staff.


f. Collaborates and participates with other staff members by sharing referrals, taking extra call, answering telephones, etc., in order to meet patients' needs in the absence of another staff member


2. CRITICAL THINKING


a. Demonstrates clinical expertise in the ability to assess patient's and/or family's needs particularly as related to illness and hospitalization.


b. Demonstrates the ability to develop a comprehensive and effective discharge plan through collaboration with other health care providers for the purpose of continuity of care.


c. Demonstrates knowledge and mastery of a variety of therapeutic interventions.


d. Demonstrates expertise in all aspects of Social Work related to patients and/or families contingent on diagnoses, age and level of care.


e. Demonstrates knowledge regarding the effects of illness and hospitalization on the patient and family systems.


f. Participates in the education of patients, families and medical staff regarding psychosocial issues and community resources.


g. Serves as a resource for the development, implementation, and revision of Policies and Procedures, Standards of Care and Standards of Practice


h. Develops and assist in the provision of support systems in the acute, ambulatory and community settings.


i. Utilizes Social Work expertise to assist appropriate organizations to address health care needs in the community.


j. Serves as patient advocate thus promoting patients' rights.


k. Makes good professional decisions independently when situation requires this.


l. Facilitates patient staffing meetings with interdisciplinary teams weekly or bi-weekly regarding the specific needs of patients 25%


3. OTHER DUTIES


a. Consistently performs 12 organizational Service Standards focused on Values, Service and Quality



Education - Master's Degree


Special Skills - Proficient in the English language, verbal and written communications skills, basic computer skills


Licensure - Certification as a Masters in Social Work (or CSW) by the Mississippi State Board Social Work Examiners