Inpatient Palliative Care Social Worker

Day (United States of America)Inpatient Palliative Care Social WorkerThe Palliative Care Social Worker will be responsible for the psychosocial/ emotional assessment, care planning, treatment and supporting the psychosocial needs of the palliative care patient/family to ensure the best possible psychosocial outcomes desired by the patient/family.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in social work from Council on Social Work Education

(CSWE) accredited school

• Licensed or licensed eligible as a clinical social worker in the State of Florida
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record; personal vehicle in good working order

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSURE:

• Meet criteria for employment by Halifax Health
• Prefer 2 years of experience in palliative care, hospice or geriatric setting (inpatient, outpatient, or home based).  
• Working knowledge of systems theory and family dynamics
• Strong clinical and assessments skills, including crisis intervention and the ability to work in a team setting
• Excellent communication, time management, organizational skills, self-awareness and boundaries are essential
• Social work or counseling background, knowledge of community resources

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Completes and documents initial and subsequent psychosocial assessments of the palliative care patient/ family in the hospital settingAssists with psychosocial issues, goal setting and care planning are identified with patient/ family are addressed and documentedProvides counseling, support and crisis intervention to the patient/ family coping with the stressors of advanced illnessAssist patients in completion of written advance directives and ensure they are scanned into EMRResponds promptly and appropriately to ensure patient needs are met at all timesFacilitates communication among family and palliative care, hospice and hospital team membersAssists medical team to facilitate family meetingsServes as a liaison between the palliative care team and hospital and facility staff with issues related to discharge planningProvides information and referrals to patient/ family in need of financial assistance or community resources when appropriateServe as a resource and support to the interdisciplinary teamDemonstrates a positive, informative and productive working relationship with all members of the interdisciplinary team, internal and external customersMaintains professional working relationships with hospitals, case managers, facilities, and physician offices involved in the care of the patientDemonstrates SW duties in accordance with the current best practice standards, supportive care standards and policies and proceduresIdentifies educational needs and provide appropriate training to patient/ familyAssists with education of students, residents and new employees to promote the role of the social worker in the palliative care settingIdentifies and documents psychosocial, spiritual or cultural issues that may be impacting care or decisionsParticipates in daily team meetingsMaintains all company owned equipment in good working orderAttend staff meetings and Bioethics meetings as requiredDemonstrates professional development in the performance of their practiceReports to work when scheduledMaintains professional appearanceMaintains patient confidentialityFollows legal and ethical guidelinesMeets educations requirements for licensure and seeks appropriate education to enhance job performanceMeets productivity standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The vast majority of clinical work will be provided in the hospital, emergency room or inpatient rehab settings. Requires mobility, automobile travel to various hospitals.  Dealing with serious illness and death on a daily basis, self-care is vital for this position. Occasional flexibility of hours will be requested

to accommodate families in crisis.

SUPERVISION:

Works under the direct supervision of the Palliative Care Manager for assigned area and progress is reviewed at key points. Unlicensed staff are responsible for securing their own clinical supervision hours toward licensure.