MSW Hospice

The Social Worker works under the direction of a physician. They function as an active member of
the organization’s Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) in accordance with the physician's orders and the
written plan of care and provides patient services in accordance with the company’s philosophy.
They assist the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) in understanding the significant social, emotional, and
cultural factors related to an illness. The SW conducts psychosocial assessments and evaluations
and provides emotional counseling to patients/families.
REPORTS TO: SUPERVISES: Director of Patient Care Services or Director of Social Services
Social Work Associates, MSW Interns (if applicable)
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Credentials: Experience: Core Competencies: Other: Master of social work from an institution accredited by the Council on Social
Work Education; or a baccalaureate degree in psychology, sociology, or other
field related to social work and in supervised by an MSW as described.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.) preferred but not required.
Current Basic Life Support license (BLS).
Has one year of social work experience in a health care setting; or
Has a baccalaureate degree from a school of social work accredited by the
Counsil on Social Work Education, is employed by the hospice before
September 2, 2008, and is not required to be supervised by an MSW.
Knowledge of psychosocial theories and use of psychosocial treatment
techniques. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrates
positive communication skills in interacting with other members of the team.
Comprehensive knowledge of counseling and referral services involving
home care patients.
Valid driver's license, and auto insurance.
FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Performs patient psychosocial assessments to augment existing services and contributes to
the plan of treatment.
2. Reports changes in the patient’s conditions and needs to the RN Case Manager or Director
of Patient Care Services.
3. Completes psychosocial assessments and collaborates with patients, families, and care
givers to identify needs and implement plans.
4. Observes safety hazards in the patient’s and organization’s environments and takes
appropriate steps to reduce or eliminate them.
5. Assists the physician and other members of the health team in understanding significant
social and emotional factors related to the patient's terminal illness.
6. Responsible for contributing to the development and implementation of the patient’s specific
plan of care which assist patients, families, and caregivers in coping and/or restoring social,
emotional, and financial factors which have been affected by the medical condition.
7. Provides counseling on disease acceptance and understanding and assesses when patient
would be appropriate for other programs.
Job Description – Hospice Social Worker
JOB DESCRIPTION – HOSPICE SOCIAL WORKER 2/2
8. 9. Delivers psychodynamic interventions, crisis intervention, grief/bereavement counseling,
problem solving, stress reduction and developing health coping strategies.
Ability to complete comprehensive assessment with behavioral health and substance related
diagnoses and recommendations for treatment planning.
10. Identifies, facilitates, and coordinates community health care delivery systems,
governmental organizations, and other providers of services in support of the patient’s care
needs.
11. Functions as part of the patient care team, attending Interdisciplinary Care Team meetings.
12. Provides consultation and education to community to increase knowledge related to the
program and serves as information source and education resource person to community,
agency personnel and volunteers as appropriate.
13. Evaluates and prioritizes written/oral referrals and maintains company documentation in a
timely manner.
14. Collaborates with internal and external resources.
15. Discusses options of care proactively.
16. Maintains continuing education through academic studies, seminars, and workshops.
17. Attends and participates in in-services, staff meetings and case conferences.
18. Assists patients in advocating for themselves.
19. All other tasks and duties deemed necessary and appropriate.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Evidence of good physical and mental health.
2. Able to lift 40 lbs. from floor to waist and waist to shoulder.
3. Able to lift 25 lbs. from shoulder to overhead.
4. Able to perform patient transfers, utilizing appropriate techniques including assistance.
5. Average vision/hearing
6. Frequent bending and reaching
7. Repetitive standing, walking and use of hands.
9. Able to drive a car a minimum of 4 hours.
Protective Equipment Required = As required by task and procedure.
Exposure/Risk Category =II - Exposure to blood, blood products and body fluids not likely but may
occur
HIPAA Level = 1
The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principle
functions of the position as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed descripti

Hospice experience