Job Description

Position:

Medical Social Worker

Location:

Nurse Next Door, Coeur d'Alene

Job Summary:

Nurse Next Door in Coeur d'Alene is seeking a compassionate Social Worker to deliver a variety of social work services to Hospice patients and their families in an in-home health setting according to physician orders. This role involves providing direct casework, bereavement services, community education, outreach, and referrals. The Social Worker will offer insight to agency staff to enhance their understanding of the significant social and emotional factors affecting the patient. This position reports directly to the Director of Social Services (DSS).

Job Specifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Social Work from a college accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Licenses/Certification:

Valid Social Worker license as per state requirements.

Experience:

Demonstrated ability in casework, community education, including one (1) year of social work experience in a hospital, hospice agency, outpatient clinic, home health agency, medical rehabilitation, medical care, or mental health program.

Skills:

Effective verbal and written communication.

Other:

Valid driver's license, vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation.

Essential Functions:

Report significant social and emotional factors related to patients' health problems and terminal conditions to the physician and health team members. Support comprehensive initial psychosocial and bereavement evaluations (completed by the DSS) and assist in developing and implementing goal-directed patient/family care plans under the DSS's direction. Support ongoing reassessments of patient/family needs under the DSS's direction. Assist patients and families with personal and environmental difficulties affecting their medical care. Support short-term crisis intervention under the DSS's direction. Participate as a member of the Bereavement Team as assigned. Provide information regarding psychosocial, spiritual, physical, and financial conditions affecting the patient and family during team conferences. Advocate actively for the patient/family unit. Maintain contact with appropriate community agencies and services to promote interagency cooperation and facilitate referrals. Document comprehensive psychosocial information clearly and concisely in a timely manner under the DSS's direction, with all documentation reviewed and co-signed by the DSS. Record initial contact information within 24 hours. Record all patient/family visits, telephone contacts, and referral actions in the Medical Record within 24 hours. Participate in Social Services department programs as assigned (e.g., Bereavement Support, Volunteer Training, and new programs). Attend staff meetings, IDT Team, and other meetings as assigned. Maintain responsibility for personal and professional development and stay current with social work practices. Participate in new employee orientation as assigned. Exhibit the Hospice Philosophy in all job-related roles. Participate in the Continuous Quality Improvement Program as assigned and maintain current knowledge and practice of Universal Precautions. Support nursing home admission coordination. Educate patients/family regarding Medicaid eligibility criteria and assist them in accessing the program. Visit patients/caregivers/family members to provide necessary services in their homes.

Additional Examples of Work Performed:

Accompany Nursing staff on patient consultations as needed. Respond to patient and family needs, which may be after hours or on weekends. Perform related duties as assigned or required.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

Duties are primarily performed in office or patient residence environments, requiring sufficient personal mobility and physical capability to function in these environments. Must be able to lift up to twenty (20) pounds. May be required to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Local travel required; occasional travel outside the area may also be necessary.

Disclaimer:

The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This job description is not an employment agreement or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Benefits:

Health benefits Dental benefits

Nurse Next Door is committed to providing excellent care to our residents and a supportive work environment for our staff. If you are a dedicated and compassionate Social Worker, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join our team in Coeur d'Alene.