Medical Social Worker (LCSW), VNHSC

General Summary of Duties: The provision of medical social work services to patients in their homes under written orders from qualified physicians according to established Agency policies and procedures.

Supervision Received: Reports directly to the Clinical Manager for assigned team.

Supervision Exercised: None.

Typical Physical Demands: Requires full range of body motion.   Requires ability to ascend/descend stairs.  Requires ability to perform floor-to-stand transfers.  Requires ability to kneel and sit for extended periods.   Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.  Requires working under stressful conditions.  Requires limited exposure to communicable diseases and/or bodily fluids.

Typical Work Conditions: Work is performed in patients' homes and in an office environment.

Essential Duties: (This list may not include all of the duties assigned.)

1.   C4, F4    Provides social work to patients in their homes in compliance with state and Medicare regulations, incorporating the following:

a)   Completes a comprehensive evaluation of the psychosocial status of the patient/family as related to the patient's illness and environment and develops a social work plan of care.

b)   Establishes an appropriate plan of care and therapeutic goals with the patient/family.

c)   Provides  short-term counseling, community resource planning and counseling.

d)   Identifies  patient and family needs for other home and/or community services.

e)   Completes discharge planning/referrals for patient/family.

2.   C4, F3    Documents all services provided according to state and federal regulations, and Agency policy:

a)   Admission assessments are completed in a timely fashion (36 hours from first social work visit).

b)   All subsequent visits are documented within 36 hours.

c)   Time sheets are completed daily and submitted weekly.

d)   Maintains current physician orders and complies with all reporting requirements and third party payors.

e)   Prepares interim and discharge summaries as requested.

 3.  C4, F3     Manages caseload in assigned area:

a)   Upon receipt of referral and makes first contact within four working days; hospice cases are contacted within 72 hours.

b)   Remains flexible in daily planning.

c)   Reports any cases to supervisor where goals can not be met or unsafe home situation exists.

d)   Utilizes interdisciplinary approach, attending  team meetings and informing primary nurse of client's progress/status with therapy.

e)   Participates in the development of the interdisciplinary team plan of care on hospice patients, when appropriate.

4.   C3, F1    Develops and maintains sufficient professional skills to meet the needs of patient care:

a)   Attends a minimum of 15 hours of in-service per year.

b)   Participates in self-appraisal and the formation of a plan of self-development.

c)   Projects professional image through attitude and compliance with dress code.

4)      Participates in quarterly peer consultation.

e)   Adheres to Agency Corporate Compliance Plan and HIPAA Privacy Plan as per                                written agreement.

Ancillary Duties:

1.   C3, F1    Performs other duties as necessary to support agency programs as assigned by Clinical Supervisor.

a)   Agency committees as requested.

b)   Special Agency or community programs during and/or after regular hours.

c)   Student supervision as indicated.

d)   Abides by agency weekend/holiday schedule for therapists.

HIPAA and Privacy:  Properly direct any complaints and/or grievances as indicated per VNHSC policy.  Comply with HIPAA regulations, specifically the Privacy and Security Rules.  Protect personal health information (PHI), electronic personal health information (EPHI) and financial information by limiting the use and disclosure of health information and financial information to the minimum amount necessary with only those who must know how to get the job done.  Follow the department's specific policies and procedures to protect health information.  Help one another to ensure confidentiality at all times. 

Knowledge, Skills and Requirements: Must have experience working with elderly patients, community resources and access agencies. Possess adequate transportation to carry out the requirements of the job.  Proof of satisfactory automobile insurance with minimum coverage to be determined by Agency policy. 

Education: Master in Social Work from an Accredited College or University.

Certificate/License: Master's Degree in Social Work.  Current license in State of CT. (LCSW)

Experience: Must have experience working with elderly patients, community resources and access agencies.