Medical Social Worker (MSW)

Reports To: Director of Clinical Services

About Luminary Hospice

At Luminary Hospice, we are a mission-driven organization that empowers our team members to shape our culture in order to allow them to provide the highest quality support to patients and families throughout their entire end-of-life journey.

Our mission is to deliver personalized care that radiates compassion and preserves dignity for all that we are honored to serve on their end-of-life journey. We are centered on caring for the whole person – with expert medical care, pain management as well as emotional and spiritual support along with resources, information, and emotional support for families and caregivers.

About the Role

The Masters of Social Worker contracted or employed through the organization is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services and for adherence to all conditions in the Service or Employment Agreement.

Job Responsibilities

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 group. 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, high risks for suicide, neglect, or abuse, and plans intervention based on evaluation findings. Counsels patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties. Provides crisis intervention when necessary.

Assesses for, and educates interdisciplinary groups, on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family. Includes communication, role of family, space, and any special traditions or taboos.

• Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work.
• Educates patients and families on, and assists in, the preparation of advanced directives.
• Provides information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.
• Provides information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.
• Serves as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
• Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patients 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.

• Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Assists family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, and financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities.
• Other duties as delegated by the Clinical Supervisor.

The above statements are only meant 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 other than those stated in this description.

Job Qualifications

• A graduate of a master’s program in social work (MSW) accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
• OR

A graduate of a bachelor’s program in social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Meets personnel qualifications stated in §418.114(b)(3).

Minimum of one (1) years of experience in health care, hospice experience preferred. Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying.

• Experience in hospice care preferred.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
• Possesses and maintains current CPR Certification.

Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state or organization requirements and is in good working order.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit or stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Luminary Hospice is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. All employment decisions at Luminary Hospice are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.

Compensation and Benefits

Luminary Hospice offers a competitive compensation package, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, and more. Our benefits are designed to support your health, well-being, and long-term financial goals.