Social Worker - Palliative Care University Hospital/Ross Heart Hospital

Scope of Position

Provide critical psycho-social support to palliative care patients through the palliative care services consult team. Apply knowledge of psycho-social care using his/her professional background and skills to assist the team and facilitate patient-family meetings and assists team, attending physicians, staff, and patient and family in the clarification of the goals of care and the plan of care. Assists the Palliative Care Coordinator in ensuring excellent patient care services, coordinating educational and outreach services, leading quality improvement initiatives, and linking team efforts with other hospital departments and with outpatient and community services. Coordinates team efforts with appropriate hospital support departments to ensure smooth discharge planning and clear follow-up post discharge; may assist in the development of creative community or system care options for patients. Serves as a liaison with the hospital hospice and other community hospices, home health, and nursing homes to ensure care coordination and appropriate assignments and resource allocation to meet patient needs throughout the continuum of care.

Position Summary
Participation in the interdisciplinary palliative care services team and provision of direct patient care and appropriate related services to the patient. Facilitation of formal and informal meetings regarding patient and family communication and decision making. Participation in the development and review of appropriate protocols and processes that support appropriate referral and consistent care. Participation in developing and implementing appropriate measures of patient care quality and satisfaction.

Minimum Qualifications
Master of Social Work from an accredited Graduate School of Social Work; State of Ohio Social Work licensure (LSW or LISW).