Hospice Social Worker (MSW)

You Belong Here.

At MultiCare, we strive to offer a true sense of belonging for all our employees. Across our health care network, you will find a dynamic range of meaningful careers, opportunities for growth, safe workplaces, and flexible schedules. We are connected by our mission - partnering and healing for a healthy future - and dedicated to the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

FTE: 1.0, Shift: Day, Schedule: Sunday - Thursday, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Additional Responsibilities:

• Competent to care for patients from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, recognizing various age-related needs.
• Assist with determining appropriateness of patient admission to hospice, including consults and education to patient/families prior to admission if applicable to work area.
• Counsels and aids patients and their families to understand and accept medical recommendations and options.
• Identify areas of patient/family knowledge deficit and begin necessary patient education as patient/family readiness to learn is assessed, using all available resources, document appropriately.
• Helping patient to manage symptoms non-medical issues (i.e. stress, depression & anxiety)
• Help family members develop a plan of sharing responsibilities of caring for elderly, ill or disabled person. Including utilizing teach back and SMART goals.
• Provides crisis intervention services to patients/families.
• Have a working knowledge of legal documents such as Guardianships, Durable Power of Attorney, POLST, Living Wills, and Advance Directives, including legal authority for decision making in healthcare absent the applicable Durable Power of Attorney if applicable to work area.
• Have a working knowledge of issues & referral sources associated with dementia, caregiving, care-giver stress/burnout, elder & child abuse & domestic violence, grief & loss. Promotes safety, quality and appropriate resource utilization.
• Ensures compliance with state reporting requirements and appropriate documentation as identified by Hospital policy and regulatory requirements/agencies. Provides consultation to staff and physicians regarding reporting requirements.
• Assist individuals, couples and families cope with the social, psychological, cultural, financial and medical issues resulting from an illness.
• Help patients fully utilize medical care and services by explaining health care resources and policies to patients, family and professional staff
• Help plan for post-hospital patient needs by arranging for services at another facility or in the home if applicable to work area.
• Explain to patients the epidemiology of diseases, including social environment risk factors.
• Advocate for patients and families for applicable follow-up care by referral to appropriate health care and/or social service resources.
• Assure that patients' medically related emotional and social needs are met and maintained throughout their medical treatment.
• Documents all activities relevant to casework, discharge planning and follow-up in accordance with Hospital Policy, Procedure and Guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Participates in in-service and staff development activities by serving on planning committees and/or offering topics for pertinent educational programs. Accepts responsibility for maintaining and improving professional competence. Participates in education/research activities.
• Responsible for direct supervision of any bachelor prepared social workers working towards their masters assigned to the same department during the scheduled work period.
• Able to work independently in home settings; nursing home settings; assisted living settings coordinating care with caregivers and family members.
• Able to use teach back skills and other tools to engage the patient and family in goal setting and self-management.
• Able to complete in Home Health the OASIS assessment tool based on the individual patient; and in hospice the symptom management quality indicators.
• Able to support difficult decisions for patients/families such as end of life (Palliative Care and Hospice) services.
• Coordinates with the Interdisciplinary team in planning and achieving patient goals involving the patient and family in the care planning process.
• Documents on laptops at point of care as outlined in policies/procedures.
• Achieves productivity requirements.
• Able to rotate into after hour call or weekend visits.

Other Requirements:

• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years' experience preferred
• Licenses: Current WA State Driver's License & proof of insurance
• Vehicle for travel to and from home visits during shifts

Position Summary

Responsibilities

• You will administer assessment tools and gather data for assessment, and to assess for optional needed services

• You will interview families to determine social work needs of the participant

• You will contact community resources to coordinate services

• You will provide initial and on-going assessment of participant's social, emotional and cognitive status and needs, involving participant and other staff members in the assessment

• You will ensure accurate documentation is maintained for all assessments, treatment plans, and evaluations

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Social Work

• LSWAIC, LMHC, LMFT, LASW, LICSW as required by department

• Experience working in a hospital/acute situation or equivalent social service agency, experience relative to the medical social work function

• Depending on assigned area, BLS Certification may be required

About Yakima Memorial Hospital

MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital has served the Yakima Valley since 1950. This 226-bed, not-for-profit hospital features a multispecialty team across 20+ primary and specialty care locations, providing cardiac care, cancer care, pediatric trauma care, hospice and advanced care for children with special health needs. Clinicians here care for a diverse patient population and make a meaningful impact in a collaborative, supportive environment where teams are valued and patients are grateful.

About the Yakima Community

Yakima enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year and a valley setting surrounded by desert hills and mountains. The area offers endless outdoor activities, from hiking, mountain biking and fishing to skiing, rafting and camping. Residents also enjoy rivers, lakes and scenic trails just minutes from home, along with a lower cost of living and a welcoming community - perfect for those who love an active outdoor lifestyle.

Why MultiCare?

• Rooted in the local community - Partnering with patients, families and neighbors across the Pacific Northwest for more than 140 years

• Growth and education - Competitive tuition assistance, award-winning residencies, fellowships and career development to invest in your future

• Well-being and support - Generous PTO, Code Lavender and Employee Assistance Programs to help you maintain balance and feel cared for at work and in life

• Living our values - Respect, integrity, kindness and collaboration guide how we care for patients, communities and each other

• Belonging for all - Employee Resource Groups, inclusion initiatives and outreach programs support a workplace where every voice is valued

• Pacific Northwest lifestyle - Work and live where natural beauty, adventure and strong community connections are part of everyday life

Pay and Benefit Expectations

Associated benefit information can be viewed here.