Hospice Social Worker at Safe Harbor Hospice LLC – Lee, Florida

Job Title: Hospice Social Worker

Reports to: Clinical Director

Job Summary: To assist patients and their loved ones on the end of life journey. Tasks include advanced directives, funeral planning, supporting psychosocial needs. The social worker will participate in the coordination of care with the Interdisciplinary Group/Team (IDG/IDT) and participate in on-call rotation per the Hospice needs.

Job Qualifications:

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

Licensure: Preferred license as a social worker (LCSW) issued by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. Current driver’s license.

Experience: One (1) year of experience in palliative care or hospice preferred. Home care or long-term care social work experience also acceptable.

Skills: Working knowledge of community resources. Good interpersonal skills. Demonstrates ability to work with computers.

Transportation: Reliable transportation. Valid and current auto liability insurance. Current drivers license.

Environmental and Working Conditions:

Works in facilities and patients’ private homes; ability to work a flexible schedule; travel locally.

Essential Functions:

• Assesses and completes the Comprehensive Assessment within five days of the patient’s election of hospice care to identify patient and family’s psychosocial, financial, environmental and community needs as evidence by Plan of Care (POC) documentation, clinical records, IDG/IDT meetings, and community resource referrals.
• Assists with advance directives, funeral planning, discharge planning, family counseling and may assist in changes in the level of care as indicated by the patient or family’s needs.
• Uses effective interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Meets mandatory continuing education requirements of the Hospice and licensing board.
• Demonstrates commitment, professional growth, and competency by maintaining a working knowledge of public and private eligibility standards and requirements.
• Provides patient and family/care giver counseling around issues of end-of-life, death, and grief.
• Promote hospice philosophy and administrative policies to ensure quality of care.
• Attends IDG/IDT meetings, participate in the patient care planning process and coordinating and collaborating with the IDG/IDT to promote coordination of patient care.
• Accepts clinical assignments that are consistent with education and competence to meet the needs of the patients.
• Provides an environment which promotes respect for patients and their privacy and property.
• Participates in the Hospice’s QAPI program.
• Demonstrates commitment, professional growth, and competency.
• Follows the Hospice’s infection control policy.
• Promotes the Hospice’s philosophy and administrative policies to ensure quality of care.
• Participates in the Hospice’s educational in-service programs as required.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of care provided using EMR.
• Ensure that all interventions adhere to hospice philosophy, polices, and regulatory guidelines.
• Provides effective communication to patients, family, team members, and other health care professionals.

Statement of Understanding: I have read the above job descriptions and essential functions. I understand and agree to carry out these responsibilities as assigned. I will adhere to Lighthouse Hospice compliance with laws and regulations in a professional manner. I understand and acknowledge that nothing contained in this job description may be construed as limiting the employer’s right to discipline or terminate my employment at any time for failure to perform satisfactorily.

Physical and Mental Effort:

Prolonged standing and walking, required. May require occasionally working under stressful conditions providing counseling and education to terminally ill patients and their families.