Social Work Assistant

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJob Title/Position: Social Work Assistant (SWA)Reports To: Director of Social Services

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The social work assistant contracted or employed through the organization is responsible for working under an MSW to assist in the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services and for adherence to all conditions in the Service or Employment Agreement.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

1. Has a baccalaureate degree in social work from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; and maintains a license by the State Board of Social Work for each state in which work is performed and is supervised by an MSW as described in paragraph (b)(3)(i)(A) of this section; and
2. Has one year of social work experience in a health care setting (hospice preferred); or
3. Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying.
4. Experience in hospice care preferred.
5. Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
6. Has valid driver's license with an insured automobile in good working order.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Assisting the MSW to:

1. 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.
2. Carries out social evaluations and plans intervention based on evaluation findings. Counsel’s patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties.
3. Maintains clinical records on all patients referred to social work.
4. Provides information and referral services for organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs.
5. Provides information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.
6. Advocate for patients and families in areas of need related to health benefits, providers, agencies, and resources.
7. Serves as liaison between patients and families/caregivers and community agencies.
8. Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
9. Maintains and develops contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patients and personnel.
10. Participates in the development of the plan of care and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group and QAPI meetings/activities as needed.
11. If the patient/family declines social work services, SWA continues to assist physicians and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.
12. Participates in discharge planning when needed. Assists patient and family/caregiver with understanding and securing durable power of attorney, living will, DNR, organ donation options, and funeral arrangements, as needed.
13. Other duties as delegated by the Hospice Director/Administrator.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Community and home environment
2. Exposure to infectious diseases
3. In and out of automobile
4. This position has been designated Class II Clinical management staff (see Infection/Exposure Control Plan). Employees performing Class II Clinical management staff duties may be involved in potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials. All Class II Clinical management staff employees will be offered Hepatitis B vaccination at no expense to the employee.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Visual/hearing ability sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communication.
2. Ability to perform tasks involving physical activity, which may include heavy lifting/moving and extensive bending and standing.
3. Must be able to adapt to patient’s/client's status and needs.

CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Must meet the required continuing education hours for state licensure as applicable. Agency personnel are expected to participate in appropriate continuing education as may be requested and/or required by their immediate supervisor. In addition, agency personnel are expected to accept personal responsibility for other educational activities to enhance job related skills and abilities. All agency personnel must attend mandatory educational programs.

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.

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