Social Worker LSW (LCSW) - Palliative Medicine at Southside Medical Center

Thank you for considering a career at Bon Secours!
S cheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Work Shift:
Days (United States of America)
I. PRIMARY FUNCTION/GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION:
The Palliative Medicine team exists to improve the quality of care and service experienced by patients and their families, focusing on patients with life-limiting complex illness and pain and symptom control needs.
The Palliative Care Social Worker has a key role on the Palliative Medicine team inpatient consultation service and outpatient clinic in providing direct patient care as well as identifying opportunities to better meet patient care needs through the continuum of care.
II. EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:
1. LCSW or equivalent
2.Demonstrated evidence of experience in palliative care settings, such as
hospice and/or other advanced illness settings
3. 3-5 years of inpatient, outpatient, or home-based social work
4. The employee must have high level communication and organizational skills, and be able to work independently.
5.Experience with quality improvement methodology preferred
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Provides critical psychosocial counseling to palliative care patients and their families in inpatient consultation and/or outpatient clinic. This includes emotional / psychological support and assistance with concerns that arise as a result of illness (eg. limited resources, support).
2. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patients with serious illnesses, including those at end of life.
3. As part of the Palliative Medicine team, collaborates with the health care team (e.g. attending physician, other staff, patients and families) in the clarification of culturally sensitive goals of care and treatment plans.
4. Assists patients and families in understanding, accepting, and forming responsible and realistic courses of action, and maximizing their strengths and resources.
5. Assesses bereavement risk, contacts families post-death, and refers to community resources as indicated.
6. Assists in ensuring excellent patient care services by participating in educational and outreach services, quality improvement initiatives, team efforts with other hospital departments, and outpatient and community services.
7. Collaborates with Care Management to coordinate team efforts with
appropriate hospital support departments in ensuring smooth discharge
planning and clear follow-up post discharge; may assist in the
development of creative community or system care options for patients.
8. Participates in the development and review of appropriate protocols and processes that support appropriate referral to the Palliative Medicine team.
9. Participates in the development and implementation of appropriate
measures of patient care quality and satisfaction.
10. Attends scheduled team meetings for the Palliative Medicine team.
11. Participates in designated educational initiatives within the hospital or in other settings.
12. Assists patients with advance care planning, including extensive discussion of their illness, values, goals, quality of life, and other considerations. Assistance with completion of advance medical directives and do not resuscitate orders.
13. Recognizes and responds to ethical dilemmas and calls formal ethics consults as needed.
14. Assesses risk factors for abuse, neglect, suicide, and mental health issues.
15. Assesses appropriateness for, and utilizes non-pharmacological approaches to symptom management, such as progressive relaxation and visualization.
IV. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Performs other duties as assigned.
V. PHYSICAL/COGNITIVE/PSYCHOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS:
A. Considerable reaching, stooping, kneeling and crouching.
B. Extensive standing and walking.
C. Lifts supplies/equipment in the 25-50 pound range frequently.
D. Must be able to work effectively with clients around illness, death and dying, and bereavement.
VI. WORKING CONDITIONS:
A. May be exposed to infections and contagious diseases.
B. Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases.
C. Contact with patients/families/physicians under wide variety of circumstances.
D. Exposed to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries, and illness).
E. Subject to varying and unpredictable situations.
F. Occasionally subject to irregular hours.
G. Handles emergency crisis situations.
H. Frequently encounter emotional strain when providing guidance in crises.
VII. BON SECOURS MISSION VALUES, CUSTOMER ORIENTATION AND
CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT FOCUS:
It is the responsibility of all employees to learn and utilize continuous quality
improvement principles in their daily work.
All employees are responsible for extending the mission and values of the Sisters of Bon
Secours by understanding each customer, treating each patient, staff member, and
community in a dignified manner with respect, kindness, and understanding and
subscribing to the organization's commitment to quality and service.
Bon Secours is an equal opportunity employer.
Many of our opportunities reward* your hard work with:

• Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans
• Prescription drug coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance w/AD&D
• Employer contributions to retirement savings plan when eligible
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance
• And much more

*Benefits offerings vary according to employment status.Department:
Palliative Care - St. Mary's - Richmond
It is our policy to abide by all Federal and State laws, as well as, the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). Accordingly, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health- Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours - Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, please email If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at