Hospice Social Worker | PRN / Hourly | Emblem Hospice Tucson

**JOB SUMMARY** The medical social worker is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for medical social work services. **DUTIES \& RESPONSIBILITIES** Assumes responsibility for the ongoing interdisciplinary assessment and development of the individualized plan of care in partnership with the patient, representative (if any), and caregiver(s). Assesses the psychosocial status of patients related to the patient’s illness and environment and communicates findings to the registered nurse. Carries out social evaluations and plans intervention based on evaluation findings. Provides patient, caregiver, and family counseling. Providing services that are ordered by the physician as indicated in the plan of care. Communicates with the physician who is responsible for the home health plan of care and other health care practitioners (as appropriate) related to the current home health plan of care. Assists physician and other teams members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems. Prepares clinical notes on all patients referred to social work. Provides information and referral services for Organization patients and families/caregivers regarding practical and environmental needs. Provides education to patients or families/caregivers and community agencies. Serves as liaison between patients or 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 patient and organization personnel. Participates in the development of the total plan of care and case conferences as required. Participates in discharge planning. Supervises, as directed, any Social Worker Assistants (SWA’s). Participating in the HHA's quality assessment and performance improvement program and HHA\-sponsored in\-service training. Other duties as delegated by the Director of Nursing /Supervisor. The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by the employee of this job. The employee may be requested to perform job\-related tasks other than those stated in this description. **BEREAVEMENT PROGRAM** Coordinate and oversee the organization’s bereavement program in accordance with regulatory and organizational requirements. * Ensure timely outreach to families and caregivers following a patient’s death, including condolence calls, mailings, and follow\-up support. * Conduct bereavement risk assessments and develop individualized bereavement support plans when appropriate. * Provide grief education, emotional support, and resource referrals to family members and caregivers. * Facilitate or coordinate bereavement support groups, memorial services, or other grief support activities as appropriate. * Maintain accurate documentation of bereavement contacts and interventions in accordance with agency policy and regulatory standards. * Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to identify families who may require additional bereavement support. * Track bereavement program participation and ensure compliance with required follow\-up timeframes. **JOB REQUIREMENTS (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills \& Abilities)** Must have a master’s or doctoral degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Minimum of one year's social work experience in health care setting. Experience in a home health care preferred. Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills. Possesses and maintains current CPR certification. The ability to drive and/or have access to transportation for agency related travel (e.g. community partners, patients, etc.) is an essential function of the job. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, maintain automobile insurance coverage and have access to an automobile. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I have read this job description and fully understand the requirements and notices set forth therein. I hereby accept the position and agree to perform the identified essential functions in a safe manner and in accordance with the Company’s established policies and procedures. I agree to request guidance from my Supervisor in the event that I am unsure of how to interpret any policy. I further understand that my employment is at\-will and thereby understand that my employment may be terminated at\-will either by the Company or myself, and that such termination can be made with or without notice. This position consistently supports and promotes compliance with the Code of Conduct by maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of information, protecting the assets of the agency, acting with ethics and integrity, reporting non\-compliance, and adhering to applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, accreditation and licensure requirements (if applicable), and all policies and procedures. The employer for this position is stated in the job posting. The Pennant Group, Inc. is a holding company of independent operating subsidiaries that provide healthcare services through home health and hospice agencies and senior living communities located throughout the US. Each of these businesses is operated by a separate, independent operating subsidiary that has its own management, employees and assets. More information about The Pennant Group, Inc. is available at http://www.pennantgroup.com.