- The Hospice Social Worker plays a vital role in providing compassionate and comprehensive psychosocial support to individuals and families receiving hospice care. This role involves collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to address the emotional, psychological, and social needs of patients and their loved ones during the end-of-life journey. The Hospice Social Worker functions as an advocate, counselor, educator, and resource coordinator, ensuring that the holistic needs of patients and families are met with dignity and sensitivity. Duties & Responsibilities
- Conduct thorough assessments of patients' and families' psychosocial needs, considering emotional, mental, and social factors. Evaluate their coping mechanisms, support systems, and preferences for care.
- Offer empathetic counseling and emotional support to patients and families, helping them navigate the challenges of terminal illness, grief, and loss. Provide a safe space for sharing feelings and concerns.
- Facilitate discussions about advance care planning, including the creation of living wills, durable powers of attorney, and other advance directives. Assist patients in expressing their end-of-life preferences and goals.
- Respond promptly to crises and emergencies, providing immediate support to patients and families dealing with distressing situations, such as sudden health declines or unexpected changes.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including medical professionals, counselors, and spiritual advisors, to ensure that patients' emotional and psychological needs are integrated into their care plans.
- Connect patients and families with appropriate community resources, such as support groups, bereavement services, legal assistance, and financial aid. Ensure comprehensive care beyond medical needs.
- Provide education to patients and families about the hospice philosophy, end-of-life processes, grief reactions, and available support services. Offer practical guidance on symptom management and comfort.
- Maintain accurate and confidential documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes, adhering to legal and regulatory standards
- Advocate for patients' rights and choices, ensuring their preferences are respected while considering cultural, religious, and personal beliefs.
- Offer bereavement counseling and support to families after the passing of a loved one, assisting them in navigating the grief and mourning process. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, or another field related to Social Work Prior experience as a Clinical Social Worker State licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Care New England Health System (CNE) and its member institutions, Butler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group, is a trusted, integrated health care organization that fuels the latest advances in medical research, attracts the nation’s top specialty-trained doctors, hones renowned services and innovative programs, and engages in the important discussions people need to have about their health and end-of-life wishes.
Care New England is helping to transform the future of health care, providing a leading voice in the ongoing effort to ensure the health of the individuals and communities we serve. EEO Statements Americans with Disability Act Statement : External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job-specific functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation, to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.
EEOC Statement : Care New England is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status Ethics Statement : Employee conducts himself/herself consistent with the ethical standards of the organization including, but not limited to hospital policy, mission, vision, and values.