Social Worker (Per Diem)

Scotts Valley, CA, United States

The Hospice Per Diem Social Worker is a member of the Variable Staffing Team and is responsible for the co-case management of hospice patients and families. In collaboration with patient/family, physician and interdisciplinary team, develops and coordinates an individualized Plan of Care (POC) that reflects patient/family centered goals related to Safe & Comfortable Dying, Self-Determined Life Closure, and Effective Bereavement. Also addresses the multiple psychosocial issues that affect Hospice patients and their families/caregivers.

Essential Responsibilities

Patient and Family Care/Case Management

Develops an individualized documented plan of care reflecting patient/family goals and provides social work services as outlined in the plan of care

Identifies and monitors potential psychosocial hot spots.

Provides co-case management support for issues related to care giving, advance directives, funeral planning, community resources and insurance benefit oversight

Provides co-case management support for issues related to grief and loss, family dynamics and psychosocial history

Exercises professional expertise in managing and coordinating care between and among involved parties in home, SNF and RCFE setting

Respects patient right to self-determination and acts as an advocate within the context of the vision, mission, values and ethical standards of HSCC.

Assists Admission department with resourcing, assessment, information and registration process as requested

Ensures documentation is accurate, organized, legible, and a complete reflection of services provided as well as an interdisciplinary approach to care. Utilizes only approved abbreviations to ensure clarity of documentation

Demonstrates the ability to articulate the parameters of hospice care and services

Demonstrates the ability to work with patients/families under stress and in crisis

Demonstrates understanding of Hospice Medicare/Medi-Cal Benefit and third party payors

Demonstrates professional demeanor, tact, and respect in dealing with all patients, families, staff and volunteers

Responds with flexibility to the changing needs within the assigned caseload

Participates in weekend and holiday Social Work coverage.

Performs other related job duties as assigned by Supervisor

Compliance Ensures all HIPAA Privacy and Security Regulations, Medicare Conditions of Participation, State and Federal Laws and all other regulatory/compliance requirements are understood and followed

Submits verification of MSW degree from accredited school, passes OIG/GSA and background checks

Signs Vehicle Insurance Acknowledgement upon hire and maintains a good driving record

Insures TB checks are completed in a timely manner; at least annually

Productivity Provides visit frequencies that are within established agency standards

Follows all requirements for obtaining approval for overtime

Completes Psychosocial Assessment in a timely manner as required by performance standards

Provides concise and timely reports to appropriate team members as required by standards

Documents in a timely manner, all activities and services provided using electronic medical records systems

Submits completed time logs within the required time frames

IDT Participation

Functions as a member of the IDT maintaining open & organized communication with hospice staff, volunteers and supervisor.

Functions as social worker for hospice patients/families in the coordination/provision of care.

As needed, participates in IDT meetings in a manner that promotes problem solving, care planning and learning.

Quality Improvement Meets all standards and requirements as indicated by licensing and accrediting agencies

Participates in continuing education opportunities both within and outside the agency

Participates in activities that affirm, enhance and develop the highest quality standards for HSCC

Participates in Quality Assessment & Improvement activities as requested

Special Projects Participates in special projects as requested.

Requirements

Education Master of Social Work (MSW) degree required from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Experience Minimum of 1 year of Social Work experience in a healthcare setting required

Prefer previous experience in hospice or other end-of-life care and services

Solid experience and/or aptitude with computer systems and electronic medical record systems and charting

Skills Desired Strong verbal and written communication skills

Skilled in tact and diplomacy

Capable of bringing appropriate level of sensitivity and compassion to patients/families facing terminal illness, death and bereavement

Understands how to hold and apply appropriate boundaries for care

Knowledge of community social work services, resources and operational standards

Understanding of all applicable laws and regulations related to social work licensing

Understands and utilizes solid ethics in decision making and activities

Bilingual in English/Spanish highly desirable

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations LCSW or related license desirable but not required

Physical Demands Ability to travel to patient locations; includes ability to drive, negotiate stairs and walkways including uneven surfaces at private homes or facilities.

Sufficient dexterity to utilize electronic record keeping systems, computers/keyboards and/or laptops and other related equipment

Vision ability to read manual and electronic documentation, charts, office related equipment, instructions

Hearing ability within normal range to elicit and detect pertinent information while communicating with patients and health team

Speech to verbally communicate to assess and impart information concerning patient status; to complete patient/family teaching and to interact with health care team

Work Environment Performs services in private homes and care facilities and will experience a variety of settings and situations.

Office work is performed in typical office setting.