Social Worker - Blue Ridge Hospice

JOIN THE BLUE RIDGE HOSPICE TEAM!

 Team 1 - - Clarke/Frederick County, Virginia

WHY JOIN US: Founded in 1981, Blue Ridge Hospice provides high-quality and compassionate serious illness and end-of-life care and grief support services throughout a 2,200-square-mile service area in the northern Shenandoah Valley and northwestern Virginia. With a mission of brightening life’s journey for all whom we are privileged to serve, and a strategic goal to grow and expand our services to continue meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the community, Blue Ridge is “Caring for life”.  

Our core values – dignity, integrity, teamwork, innovation, diversity, and excellence – not only reflect our commitment to our patients and families, but also represent our dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that encourages staff to embrace creativity, work together, practice empathy and compassion with each other, and utilize professional growth opportunities. At Blue Ridge, we call our staff “Future Makers” – everyone contributes to our collective organizational excellence and success, and ultimately the continued delivery of the life-changing care and services we provide those we serve. 

SOCIAL WORKER – Position Summary

The Hospice Social Worker provides a wide variety of services to patients/caregivers/families in accordance with the individualized plan of care. The Social Worker actively participates in coordination of all aspects of the patient’s care in accordance with current professional standards and practice. The Social Worker’s expertise lies in identifying and addressing the emotional and psychosocial needs in advanced illness at end of life.

SOCIAL WORKER – Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Assessment of Psychosocial Status:

• Evaluate the psychosocial needs of patients and their families or caregivers in the context of terminal illness.
• Communicate these findings to the Registered Nurse and interdisciplinary team members to inform care plans.

Safety and Environment Assessment:

• Conduct assessments in the patient’s residence and identify any safety concerns.
• Develop alternative plans if the current environment poses risks to the patient’s well-being.

Social Evaluations and Interventions:

• Perform social evaluations to understand the patient’s and family’s needs and challenges.
• Plan and implement interventions based on the evaluation results.

Counseling:

• Provide counseling to patients and their families or caregivers, focusing on stress management and coping with difficulties related to the illness.

Clinical Records Management:

• Maintain accurate clinical records for all patients referred to social work.
• Enter data into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system at the bedside.

Information and Referral Services:

• Offer information and referral services to patients and families regarding practical and environmental needs.
• Act as a resource for connecting patients and families with community services and support.

Liaison and Collaboration:

• Serve as a liaison between patients, families, and community agencies to facilitate access to services.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.

Networking and Resource Development:

• Develop and maintain contacts with public and private agencies to enhance resources available for patients and staff.

Interdisciplinary Team Participation:

• Contribute to the development of individualized care plans and attend interdisciplinary meetings.
• Help team members understand social and emotional factors impacting health and end-of-life issues.

Quality Improvement:

• Engage in quality assessment and performance improvement activities to enhance service delivery.

SOCIAL WORKER – Qualifications/Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Social Work.  MSW preferred. 
• Minimum of one year’s experience in health care, hospice experience preferred. Understands hospice philosophy, and issues of death/dying. 
• Experience in hospice care preferred. 
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organizational skills. 

SOCIAL WORKER - Benefits 

• Health Insurance 
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance 
• Retirement with Company Match 
• Paid Time Off 
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Thrift Shop Discount 

Blue Ridge Hospice is a non-profit, equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and patients served.