About the position
The Licensed Social Worker position at VNS Health involves providing expert social work services to clients and their families within the hospice care setting. This role is crucial in ensuring that the social work component of the care plan is effectively integrated into the overall treatment provided by the interdisciplinary team. The social worker will work under general supervision, contributing to the development of social work services and leading related projects as necessary. The position requires a strong commitment to the hospice philosophy and adherence to established procedures, ensuring that all services provided are compliant with VNS Health policies and standards of practice. In this role, the social worker will function as a vital support to the hospice interdisciplinary team, offering expertise and advice on social work issues. They will assist the Hospice Team Manager in developing the hospice program, particularly in relation to social work services. Participation in weekly team meetings is expected, where the social worker will collaborate with other team members to discuss client care and program development. Mentorship and training of new social workers and interns are also key responsibilities, ensuring that the next generation of social workers is well-prepared to meet the needs of hospice clients. The social worker will conduct assessments of clients and their families, evaluating psychosocial status and social work needs. They will establish care plans that reflect the goals of the clients and their families, making necessary referrals to community services. Providing direct psychosocial services, including individual counseling and crisis intervention, is a core function of this role. Advocacy for clients and families, particularly in navigating entitlements and community resources, is also a critical aspect of the position. Documentation and communication are essential components of the role, requiring the social worker to maintain accurate clinical notes and progress reports. The social worker will manage a caseload, ensuring that productivity meets program goals while collaborating with physicians and other team members to address the social and emotional factors affecting clients' health. Participation in discharge planning and ongoing professional development is expected, along with involvement in special projects as assigned.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct social work services to family members and significant others of hospice clients according to the plan of care.
- Function as support to the Hospice Interdisciplinary team, providing expertise and advice on social work issues.
- Assist the Hospice Team Manager in the development of the Hospice Program regarding social work services.
- Attend weekly team meetings as a member of the interdisciplinary team, as needed.
- Mentor and train new Licensed Social Workers and interns, providing field orientation and supervision.
- Assess clients and/or family psychosocial status, social work needs, and living conditions.
- Establish the social work component of the client/family plan of care based on mutually acceptable goals.
- Provide psychosocial work services, including short-term individual counseling and crisis intervention.
- Advocate for clients and families in obtaining entitlements and community services.
- Maintain verbal and written communication according to VNS Home Care policy, including clinical and progress notes.
- Manage social work planning for a caseload of clients from assessment to discharge.
- Assist team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to clients' health problems.
- Participate in the development of treatment plans and revise goals as needed.
- Consult with and educate clients and families regarding treatment plans and self-care techniques.
- Utilize community resources and serve as a liaison between the Agency and other community agencies.
- Participate in discharge planning and assume responsibility for continued professional growth.
- Act as the VNS Hospice Care administrator on VNS Health for operational support.
- Provide oversight for the Respecting Choices curriculum improvement efforts.
- Function as the lead reviewer for HCHB Social Work documentation improvement and implementation of changes.
Requirements
- Current registration to practice as a Licensed Social Worker in New York State required.
- Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited graduate school required.
- Minimum of five years of experience as a Licensed Social Worker, preferably in hospice and/or palliative care program required.
- Effective oral and interpersonal communication skills required.
- Proficiency in personal computer operations including MS Office applications required.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker preferred.
- Valid driver's license may be required as determined by operational/regional needs.
Nice-to-haves
- Bilingual skills may be required, as determined by operational needs.
