Social Worker - PRN 

A.                  Demonstrates understanding of the hospice model of care.

B.                 Demonstrates good assessment skills in performance of Psychosocial and Spiritual Risk Assessment and development of an Initial Care Plan for each patient/family unit. Implements an initial psychosocial assessment and treatment plan for each patient/family unit within  5 calendar days of admission to Hospice. Completes psychosocial assessment for patients in conjunction with Admissions if the patient is imminent or is in crisis.

C.                   Visits patient/family monthly or more frequently as needed or reflected in the plan of care to continually reassess needs. If a visit is refused, every effort should be made to maintain contact with the patient/family by telephone. Determine need for additional visits, phone calls or other contacts to meet patient/family needs.

D.                  Evaluates the financial needs of each pt/family and makes appropriate interventions for financial assistance.

E.                   Demonstrates knowledge of and display good intervention skills regarding significant areas of hospice care. Communicates with primary team and Clinical Manager(s) when changes/problems occur. Makes visit at the time of death if requested by primary RN or if situation warrants. 

F.                  Demonstrates sensitivity to issues of diversity (cultural, sexual, age, and lifestyle).

G.                 Displays ability to communicate well in sensitive areas. Provides emotional support to the patient/caregiver. Assists patients/families with funeral planning in conjunction with other team members. 

H.                 Demonstrates understanding of medical and terminal illness, including related symptomatology and procedures. Maintains thorough knowledge of Advanced Directives and assists patients/families with executing Advanced Directives.

I.                     Participates in the bi-weekly IDT meeting and acts as a support/resource person to team members, to ensure the best care for the patient/family according to the hospice concept.

J.                    Documentation must reflect and support the care plan. The care plan is updated as changes occur to the patient’s condition in a timely manner and communicated to other members of the team via IDT.

K.                Serves as liaison to community health, welfare, and social agencies and makes referrals to appropriate agencies on behalf of the patient and family. Works with hospital-based social services personnel prior to, during, and following discharge of Hospice or Hospice eligible patients.

L.                   Displays a positive attitude and a professional manner/demeanor.

M.               Possesses thorough understanding of contract care to provide social work services for clients in nursing homes and ALF’s. Develops expertise for Hospice Medicare/Medicaid and other reimbursement mechanisms.

N.                  Completes documentation of all visits and phone conversations according to the standard of 24-48 hours following pt/family contact. Also completes monthly Social Work Activity Report.

O.                  Assumes primary responsibility for own professional development. Accepts responsibility and accountability for own actions. Demonstrates ability to solve problems independently and yet seeks advice appropriately. Is self-directed, demonstrates flexibility and organizes workload efficiently.

P.                   Assists in the review and evaluation of Hospice policies in regard to social work services.

Q.                  Responsible for updating professional skills through participation in seminars, workshops, etc.

R.                   Attends social work staff meetings and all mandatory inservices and team reports 

S.                   Demonstrates competency in all job requirements by completion of Social Work Clinical Competencies within first 90 days of employment and at time of annual evaluation by measure of Yearly Skills Evaluation Checklist.

T.                   Promotes a positive image of the Hospice concept throughout the community.

U.                  Performs other duties as requested by the Clinical Manager and/or Director, Branch Operations.

V.                   Required to comply with all Covenant Hospice Policies, Procedures and Personnel Policies, including those specifically addressing disaster preparedness and response.

W.                Supervise Social Work Assistant as Requested