Social Worker

Come join Arbor Hospice! As the largest non-profit hospice provider in Michigan, we offer comfort and peace for patients and their loved ones. Our Commitment here at Hospice of Michigan is "Every person, Every time." Arbor Hospice is looking for a Social Worker passionate to provide high quality patient care to join our team!

Job Summary: In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team (IDT), provides and facilitates acquisition of economic, social, and emotional support services to hospice patients and their families/caregivers.

Essential Functions:

• Performs advocacy and oversight of hospice services based on patient self-determination to assure patient and family/caregiver satisfaction.
• Assists patient and family/caregiver with placement arrangements, funeral arrangements, legal planning, and community resources in accordance with the plan of care.
• Assesses patient/family/caregiver social, emotional and financial factors to cope with the terminal illness and death; their psychosocial status; potential for risk of suicide and/or abuse or neglect; environment, resources, obstacles to maintaining safety; and caregiver’s ability to function adequately.
• Identifies the developmental level of patient/family/caregiver and obstacles to learning or ability to participate in care of the patient.
• Develops, implements and revises the plan of care based on a thorough psychosocial assessment and consultation with team members, patient and caregivers.
• Evaluates patient for level of care changes (long term care, respite, discharge) when appropriate and assesses ability to accept the change.
• Assesses and develops instructions and plan of care reflecting needs identified for homemaker assistance.
• Identifies patient/family/caregiver needs when discharged or when level of care changes; evaluates patient/family/caregiver response to intervention(s) when discharged or when level of care changes.
• Assesses the need for counseling related to risk assessment for pathological grief; provides counseling services to the patient/family/caregiver experiencing emotional, social and economic conflict; evaluates patient/family/caregiver response to psychosocial interventions.
• Assesses and provides grief support and education to patients and their families/caregivers. Assesses special needs related to cultural diversity including communication, space, role of family members and special traditions.
• Documents patient care following established organizational standards of documentation practice, and regulatory and licensure requirements, submits documentation in accordance with policy.
• Works collaboratively with other IDT members, communicates complete and accurate information and assists team members in understanding the significant social and emotional factors related to care of terminally ill patients and their caregivers.
• Works collaboratively and actively participates in team functions, meetings, and acts as a resource for staff members and orientees when appropriate and/or requested.
• Evaluates and monitors patient’s insurance coverage and options in assessing patient/caregiver ability to meet financial obligations, and responds to third party payor requests. Offers appropriate internal and community resources and assists patients, caregivers and staff in acquiring and utilizing resources, as indicated.
• Proactively problem solves and identifies solutions utilizing critical thinking skills.
• Participates in internal and external education and training, quality improvement initiatives, in-services, development of protocols and standards and other activities to promote hospice practice as well as personal and professional growth.
• Utilizes allocated supplies and resources appropriately to ensure business outcomes are met.
• Adjusts to changes in workload, schedules based on changing departmental/organizational priorities.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) obtained from a school of social work accredited by the Council of Social Work Education required. Possession of a current license to practice social work issued by the State of Michigan. A Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) is highly preferred but will consider a Limited Licensed Masters Social Worker (LLMSW).
• A minimum of one (1) year paid social work experience required; hospice or related health care experience preferred.
• Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently and be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing in internal and external relationships for all essential job functions.
• Ability to use technology (hardware and software) required of clinicians in their practice.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgment, effective organizational, prioritization and follow-through skills, attention to detail, tact, dependability, emotional intelligence and the ability to maintain confidentiality and promote positive, constructive relationships with communication and collaboration at all levels.
• Proof of current tuberculin testing required. Patient contact will not be allowed until tuberculin clearance is documented.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.