Position Overview

The Social Worker is an experienced professional and member of the patient care team who provides 
emotional and practical support for patients and their families in accordance with their unique Plan of 
Care. As part of the patient care team the Social Worker meets with patients and their families, 
coordinates with the clinical team and connects them with community resources and services.
Essential Functions and Skills

Patient Care

Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the  patient's terminal illness and environment and communicates findings to the Registered  Nurse and other members of the interdisciplinary care team. Provides an assessment in  the patient's identified residence and assistance when this is not safe and another plan is  required. Carries out social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities,  communication patterns, suicide risk, neglect, or abuse, and plans intervention based on  evaluation findings. Counsels' patients and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other  identified coping difficulties. Provides crisis intervention when necessary. Provides ongoing Bereavement support to individuals identified as moderate or high-risk. Assesses any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family while educating  interdisciplinary care team. Includes communication, role of family, space, and any special  traditions or cultural considerations. Works under the supervision of Master's Prepared Social Worker (MSW). Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work. Educates patients and families and assists in preparation of advanced directives. Provides information and referral services for patients and families/caregivers regarding  practical and environmental needs. Provides information to patients and families/caregivers regarding and serves as a liaison  to community agencies. Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patient  and personnel. Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and  family, and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the  team in recognizing the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the  terminal illness. Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and  emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues. Assists Bereavement leadership in maintaining a program to meet the needs of  families/caregivers for 13 months following the death of a patient to ensure compliance  with all state, federal, and CHAP regulatory requirements. Ensures the initial bereavement assessment is completed or assigned to appropriate team  member in a timely manner. Assists Chaplain in making condolence call to bereaved as needed. Assists with maintaining, organizing, and updating bereavement support group schedule. Assists family and patient in planning funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health  care decision responsibilities. Responsible for maintaining compliance with all HIPAA regulations and requirements.  Treats all patient information as confidential and utilizes protected health information on a  minimum necessary basis.