Job Summary:
Evaluates and assesses patient needs for social service assistance, planning and coordination of patient programs and acts as a liaison between the patient, hospital, Home Health, Hospice, physician, and community in the home care venue with appropriate linkage of community services/resources. Performs under minimal supervision.
Essential Functions:
• Acceptance and response to referrals from home health care team regarding clients who may require social services assistance.
• Interviews patients and/or caregivers to assess for psychotherapy needs for patients and families.
• Demonstrates self-motivation and initiative by developing and maintaining current information on community resources through attendance of continuing education and professional associations.
• Completes documentation and paperwork, as required by Agency policies, following the physician’s Plan of Care for Medical Social Services.
• Makes visits as scheduled and participates in case conferences as required.
Additional Responsibilities:
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
• Adheres to specific State Association for Home Care Code of Ethics.
• Conforms to all applicable Agency policies and procedures.
• Participates actively in continuing education and in-services.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information and business trade practices.
• Assumes the care of the home health patient, optimizing his/her comfort and dignity, when appropriate.
• Possesses adequate knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid and insurance standards to ensure reimbursement for all services rendered.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
• Organizational skills
• Ability to supervise in accordance with agency’s policies and applicable laws.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Time management
• Cooperative attitude
• Advanced interpersonal communication (written and verbal)
• Basic math skills related to patient care.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Appropriate computer skills.
Information Management:
Treats all information and data within the scope of the position with appropriate confidentiality and security.
Risk Management:
• Cooperates fully in all risk management activities and investigations.
• Keeps abreast in changes in health care law.
• Maintains Agency/program compliance with local, state and federal laws.
Minimum Position Qualifications:
• Education: Master’s or doctoral degree.
• Experience: 1 year social work experience in a health care setting
• License / Certification: Current state issued social work license with current certification to practice in the state licensed; driver’s license and proof of current auto liability insurance.
Environmental Conditions:
Works in patient's home in various conditions, possible exposure to blood and body fluids and infectious diseases. Ability to work flexible schedule, ability to travel locally, some exposure to unpleasant weather. Moderate noise level; Category C BBP risk; moderate stress and emotional demands.
Physical Requirements:
Requires working under some stressful conditions to meet deadlines, to identify patient needs, to make quick decisions and resource acquisition; meet patient/family psychosocial needs.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.