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Position Summary

The Palliative Care Clinical Social Worker will provide clinical support and address the psychosocial needs of patients and families throughout the hospital and outpatient setting in response to consultation with the Palliative Care Program. The PCCSW will perform psychosocial assessments, counseling and support, care coordination, patient/staff and community education and monitor/report outcomes of Palliative Care consultations in conjunction with the Palliative Care Program. The PCCSW will plan, develop, implement, coordinate and evaluate Palliative Care services as part of the Palliative Care program. The delivery of Palliative Care will be enhanced through such activities as education, program development, quality improvement activities, consultation and care coordination and discharge management.

Primary Position Responsibilities

1. Performs and documents psychosocial assessments, care plans, and Palliative Care screenings.

2. Provides counseling and support to patients, families and hospital staff during disease trajectory and during bereavement.

3. Plans, coordinates and implements educational and outreach services to patients, families, hospital staff and community.

4. Monitors and reports outcomes of Palliative Care referral consultation in conjunction with Palliative Care Program.

5. Assist the Palliative Care team and/or directly facilitates patient-family meetings for goals setting and care planning.

6. Serves as a mentor and trainer to assist hospital staff with developing primary palliative Care Skills (ie. case managers, social workers and nurses).

7. Participates in the development and review of appropriate clinical protocols and quality improvement initiatives.

Work Contact Group (Internal/External)

Palliative care team, patients, families, employees, outside consultants, community agencies.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to (position):

Director Geriatric and Palliative Care / Medical Director

Supervises (position(s):

None

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

Required:

Master’s Degree in Social Work

Preferred:

None

Minimum Years of Experience (Amount, Type and Variation):

Required:

? At least 1 year experience in either palliative care or hospice preferred.

? Experience in geriatrics, oncology, or inpatient medicine may also be considered.

Preferred:

? Additional 3 years experience in Clinical Social Work.

? Equivalent experience in geriatrics, oncology or inpatient medicine may also be considered in addition to certification in palliative care/hospice social work.

License, Registry or Certification:

Required:

NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Preferred:

NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker; certification in hospice/palliative care

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

Required:

? Knowledge of death, dying, grief, and loss issues

? Excellent communication, counseling and interpersonal skills.

? Critical thinking creative problem-solving, proficient organization, and planning skills are essential.

? Program development skills to assist with TJC accreditation process.

Preferred:

? Computer skills; teaching skills