Social Worker

Edgewood is currently looking for a Social Worker to be part of our CaringEdge team. This position is responsible for managing all aspects of the provision of patient social services in keeping with the patient's/family’s/caregiver's belief system and practice, and in accordance with the plan of care.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Assesses the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the patient's terminal illness and environment and communicates findings to members of the interdisciplinary group.
• Carries out social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, high-risks for suicide, neglect or abuse and plans intervention based on evaluation findings. Counsels patient and family/caregivers as needed in relationship to stress, and other identified coping difficulties. Provides crisis intervention when necessary.
• Assesses for, and educates interdisciplinary group, on any special needs related to the culture of the patient and family.
• Maintains clinical records on all patients.
• Educates patients and families on, and assists in, preparation of advanced directives.
• Provides information to patients and families/caregivers and community agencies and serves as a liaison between them.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
• Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care, involving the patient and family, and attends regularly scheduled interdisciplinary group meetings, assisting the team in recognizing the effects of the psychosocial stresses on the symptoms of the terminal illness.
• Assists physician and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and death/dying issues.
• Assists family and patient in planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decision responsibilities.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those stated in this description.