JOB SUMMARY:

The social worker is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social services for Sage’s Primary and Palliative Care business.

MAJOR JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Promotes and practices the Sage Hospice and Palliative Care philosophy and mission: To provide the absolute most compassionate, comprehensive, and qualified care to people with life-limiting illness in order to serve them through their individual journey with dignity, respect, and integrity
• Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient’s disease process and environment and communicates findings to the Palliative Practitioner and other members of the interdisciplinary group (IDG)
• Provides an assessment in the patient’s identified residence and assistance when this is not safe, and another plan is required
• Conducts social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high-risk for suicide, neglect, or abuse, and plans for intervention based on evaluation findings
• Provides counsel to patients and family/caregivers as needed in relationship stress and other identified coping difficulties, providing crisis intervention when necessary
• Assesses and educates the IDG on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family/caregiver including communication, role of family, space, and any other special traditions including cultural/ethnic practices
• Attends or provides documented input for IDG meetings as a member of the IDG
• Provides psychotherapy services, as clinically appropriate
• Documents within the electronic medical record for all patient visits and/or other correspondence with patient and caregiver/POA etc.
• Educates patients and families/caregivers on, and assists in, preparation of advance directives
• Provides information and referral services for patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs
• Provides information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies
• Serves as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies
• Maintains collaborative relationships with Sage Hospice personnel to support patient care transitions
• Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attends or provides documented input for regularly scheduled IDG meetings, assisting the team in recognizing the effects and recommendations for supporting the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the disease process
• Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and disease progression
• Advances professional knowledge and skills
• Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities
• Accepts and performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

• A minimum LCSW licensure is required
• Minimum of one (1) years’ experience in a healthcare setting
• Valid driver’s license and evidence of insurance coverage

SKILLS/ABILITIES/KNOWLEDGE:

• Ability to work as a team member
• Knowledge and commitment to hospice philosophy
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication and organization skills
• Express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word
• Communicate effectively with people of all socioeconomic backgrounds
• Understanding of grief response and experience with counseling individuals and/or in groups regarding loss

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to remain alert and act in a safe manner in patient’s homes and/or institutional settings with a potential exposure to infections, communicable diseases, odors, blood, excreta, and hazardous materials
• Endure long periods of driving
• Stand, walk and/or sit for extended periods of time
• Ambulate on rough surfaces and climb stairs