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At Bon Secours Mercy Health, we are dedicated to continually improving health care quality, safety and cost effectiveness. Our hospitals, care sites and clinicians are recognized for clinical and operational excellence.

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.

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

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 Employers, please email [email protected] . 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 [email protected]