Social Worker

Job DetailsJob Location: 2600 JOHNSTON ST - LAFAYETTE, LA 70503Position Type: PRN or SeasonalJOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY The medical social worker is responsible for the implementation of standards of care from medical social work services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES Assesses emotional, social, financial, environmental, and caregiver support needs as well as their bereavement risks and responses to the patient’s terminal illness.

Provides counseling services and support for patients/families needing help with addressing death, dying, and anticipatory grief. Provides input into the development and implementation of the Plan of Care based upon the psychosocial assessment.

Attends and participates in Interdisciplinary Team meetings, staff meetings, department meetings, in-services and other related activities. Educates patients/families/caregivers on Hospice philosophy, services available, and payment options/mechanisms.

Provides timely documentation on all patients accepting of social services. Provides information and explanation regarding Advanced Directives (DNR, Living Will, Healthcare Power of Attorney, etc.), as well as associated patient rights.

Supports patients and families with end-of-life decision making and provides education regarding options available upon patient’s death, including anatomical donations.

Serves as a liaison, facilitating communications and working effectively between IPU facility staff, patients/families/caregivers, physicians, vendors, and other departments and professionals as appropriate.

Participates in quality assurance and performance improvement activities including, at times, serving on QAPI committee. Maintains comprehensive working knowledge of Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. contractual relationships and ensures that social services are delivered according to contract provisions.

Maintains comprehensive working knowledge of community resources and assists the patients/families/caregivers in accessing/navigating these resources, should services not be provided by Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. (ex. nursing home placement, VA benefits, etc.). Assists with discharge planning for all levels of care.

Assists other team members in understanding the important emotional and social factors related to care of the terminally ill patients and family. Upholds social work standard of ethical practice. Assists with orientation of new staff and ongoing staff development.

The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks or special projects, other than those stated in this description, by supervisors/Leadership Team.

Qualifications Licensure/Certification/Registration

Current, valid license as a social worker (LMSW) issued by the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners (LSBSWE). Education: Master’s in Social Work from accredited program. Experience: Minimum one (1) year healthcare experience; Hospice experience preferred.

Documented clinical experience appropriate to the counseling and casework needs of the terminally ill. Special Qualifications: Good oral and written communication. Good organizational skills. Understands hospice philosophy and issues of death/dying.

Valid Louisiana’s Driver’s License, automobile liability insurance, and CPR certification.