Social Worker

Job Summary:

The Hospice Social Worker provides professional social work services directly to terminally ill patients and their families. As a member of the IDT, the Social Worker provides consultation with team members about psychosocial care issues and coordinates social work services with the team. The Social Worker is responsible for continuing his/her own professional development to enhance practice. The Director of Counseling & Volunteer Services provides oversight of this position, via the IDT meetings. Performs other duties as assigned.

Primary Job Duties:

• Assesses patient/family status to identify needs, provide supportive counseling, problem solving, service coordination, case management, discharge planning and placement within the scope of the social worker standard of practice.
• Develops appropriate care plans in coordination with the patient/family, provides social work services as indicated, and assesses social work and team services in coordination with the IDT and in compliance with agency policies and procedures.
• the patient and family about how to access and utilize community services and benefit programs.
• Acts as the liaison for the IDT with patient/family volunteers assigned to the SW’s patient/families.
• Annually participates in continuing education to enhance professional practice.
• Appropriately communicates information in accordance with LCFL policies and procedures.
• Organizes and performs work effectively and efficiently.
• Maintains and adjusts schedule to enhance team performance.
• Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations in dealing with all members of the team.
• Maintains and promotes customer satisfaction.
• Effectively demonstrates the mission, vision, and values of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare on a daily basis

Job Specifications

Education: MSW preferred, minimum of BSW, from a CSWE accredited School of Social Work.

Licensure / Certifications: NCLCSW recommended, not required for NC. LMSW for SC required.

Experience: At least two years of professional social work experience, preferably in a health care setting.

Essential Technical / Motor Skills: Literate in the English language. Ability to speak clearly and to be understood by customers. Basic counseling skills including the ability to listen to and assist severely distressed individuals on a daily basis. Ability to safely travel throughout geographic area. Ability to proficiently utilize the agency’s computerized documentation system, including meeting and maintaining required computer competency levels within acceptable time requirements.

Interpersonal Skills: Strong team membership skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to quickly develop positive interactions with team members, clients and the general public. Highly self-motivated and self-disciplined, flexible and positive attitude.

Essential Physical Requirements: Sitting, walking, climbing stairs, writing and using a computer daily.

Essential Mental Abilities: Ability to assess patient/family’s needs for LCFL services, formulate care plans, utilize appropriate interventions, evaluate the patient/family’s response to interventions. Ability to utilize basic mathematics skills. Ability to organize and complete work requirements on a timely basis.

Essential Sensory Requirements: Hearing and sight needed for driving and for accessing patients’ residences.

Exposure to Hazards: Ability to withstand allergens such as dust, cigar/cigarette smoke, fumes. May be exposed to blood and/or body fluids.

Other - Hours of Work: Flexible hours are a necessity due to some evening and weekend work. One FTE’s average work week is 40 hours.

Population Served: Patient/family population generally in one geographic area. May be required to travel to another geographic region to provide services or to attend meetings or educational events.

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