SOCIAL WORKER/MSW HOME HOSPICE| UM HEALTH-SPARROW

General Purpose of Job:

Medical Social Work Services will be provided to all patients, families and/or significant others in the patients home. The MSW will address the social-emotional problems, resource deficits, and care needs of the dying patients and their families served by the Hospice, assisting them to adapt and cope with the social and emotional impact of their terminal disease. The MSW is integrally involved in the informed consent process. The MSW will also counsel and assist in making funeral arrangements and provide the necessary resources pertaining to bereavement.

Essential Duties:

This job description is intended to cover the minimum essential duties assigned on a regular basis. Caregivers may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned by their leader. Leadership has the right to alter or modify the duties of the position.

• Complete and comprehensive assessment of patient and family needs to identify issues and determine support systems appropriate for each individual Hospice event.
• Complete a psycho/social history of the patients behavioral/cognitive functioning, emotional/mental status, and adjustment to terminal illness.
• Complete an assessment of patient's support systems, finances, living situation, legal concerns including advanced directive and patient preferences regarding end of life issues.
• Responsible for initiation of bereavement services, making necessary contacts to appropriate resources.
• Integral part of Interdisciplinary Team making necessary recommendations and participating in the development of the plan of care. Participates in the Interdisciplinary Team in developing a plan of care and making recommendations.
• Provides individual or group counseling to help dying patients and their families adapt to the change related to their terminal disease by: Addressing any and all issues to assist patient and family to come to closure; Developing short and long term plan of intervention as needed; Addressing funeral arrangements or memorial service issues and concerns.
• Assists patients and families with access ot appropriate resources and services based on thorough knowledge of community resources and eligibility requirements.
• Assists patient and families in completing applications for financial entitlement.
• Assists with transition from home to Hospice House and providing emotional support to help patients cope
• Assists with discharge planning if needed and facilitates transition back home.
• Assists with informed consent and admission process to the Hospice as needed.
• Participates in the quality improvement activities that pertain to the social work services for Sparrow Hospice Services.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent communication skills with patients, families, and members of Home Hospice Interdisciplinary Team in a professional diplomatic and empathetic manner.
• Ability to provide clear, concise and timely written documentation on the patient's medical record and departmental record.