Licensed Social Worker - Palliative Care

Thank you for considering a career at Mercy Health!

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Work Shift:

Days/Afternoons (United States of America)

Lima, OH

**Certification in Palliative Care preferred or willing to obtain

GENERAL SUMMARY:

 Under minimal supervision of department head, according to established practice and professional standards, performs advanced patient care duties and provide clinical treatment necessary for the most complex cases and/or the most specialized areas in the health care setting.  Responsible for assisting patients and their families with the resolution of personal and environmental problems which prohibit or limit patient from obtaining maximum benefits from medical care.  Evaluates psycho-social functioning of patients and families, counsels them as necessary, and manages the discharge plan.  Exchanges information with other health care professionals as well as representatives of outside agencies.  Provides patient care to neonate, pediatric, adult and geriatric patients.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 Must possess level of knowledge of counseling skills and services, hold a Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited graduate social work program accredited by the council on Social Work Education.

 

Must hold a license from the State of Ohio as a Licensed Independent Social Worker, or Licensed Professional Certified Counselor (LPCC), or establish eligibility and obtain said license as defined under Chapter 4757 of the Ohio Revised Code as a condition of employment.

 

Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with Hospital and agency health care professionals, and to interact with patients and families often during periods of stress.

 

Analytical abilities necessary to assess patient needs, to develop associated treatment modalities and to provide effective counseling and discharge planning.

 

Two years of post graduate job specific experience in order to a) acquire diagnostic interviewing skills, b) acquire counseling skills and techniques, c) become familiar with local agencies and facilities, d) learn to develop adequate discharge plans, and e) acquire suitable interpersonal and analytical skills. 

 

Experience working with a variety of populations and ages.

 

Experience in individual, group and family counseling, as well as patient education.  May require experience with mental health and chemical dependency issues.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1. Performs social work duties necessary to ensure the proper handling of the most complex cases and/or most specialized areas including the use of clinical treatment techniques.

 

2. Conducts diagnostic interviews with patients and families in order to determine and evaluate a) the support system to which the patient will return upon discharge and b) the physical, emotional, and social history and current needs of patient/family in relation to his illness and coping abilities.

 

3. Refers patients and families to community agencies and organizations suitable to fulfill discharge plans and, it necessary, facilitates placement.  Contacts these institution and informs them of patient needs, coordinates the discharge of medical and social information necessary to ensure continuity of care and manages the discharge plan.

 

4. Compiles a FORMAL psycho-social assessment, according to department protocol.

 

5. Provides counseling to patients and their families in order to assist them in the solution of medical-social, illness-related problems, e.g., adjusting to permanent disabilities, disfiguring illness, life-threatening illnesses, and so on.

 

6. Participates as a team member in patient conferences and physician rounds.  Interprets the patient's psycho-social situation to team members and collaborates in developing an overall plan that takes into account the psycho-social ramifications of the illness.

 

7. Reviews patient/family care needs with the nursing staff of each nursing unit.  Provides psycho-social data concerning patient's social and emotional needs and solicits in-put to patient assessment.

 

8. Identifies patients and/or families who may be deemed at-risk and in particular need of clinical intervention.  Examples may include those a) whose pre-existing emotional pro