Essential Functions

Assess patients, their families and/or primary caregivers to obtain information relevant for the psychosocial assessment. The assessment includes an evaluation of the social, spiritual, financial and environmental issues that might occur with an anticipated death. Completes psychosocial assessment plan of care and coordinates with the Interdisciplinary Team members in accordance with Conditions of Participation (CoP's)
Prepares documentation in accordance with agency policy.
Reinforces education regarding Kansas City Hospice intra-agency care to maximize benefits of staff interventions and enhance patient, family, significant other, and primary caregiver functioning.
Provides supportive counseling.
Provides communication with regard to options for ongoing care.
Encourages family communication.
Links to community services.
Actively participates in weekly patient care meetings.
Coordinates family meetings.
Explains Hospice medical insurance benefits.
Explores eligibility for assistance within the agency and the community.
Problem solves regarding issues that may affect patient, family, significant other and/or primary caregiver.
Provides education regarding advanced directives, DPOA (Durable Power of Attorney), DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) and an assortment of issues associated with end of life care.
Documents status of funeral plan.
Explores end of life wishes.
Makes referrals to expressive therapists and grief support specialists.
Discharge planning when it relates to Decertification, Revocation, or transfers.
Identifies high risk patients, family, significant others, and/or primary caregivers. Provides interventions and makes referrals when appropriate.
Shares professional interpretation of behavior with patient and others who are providing care.
Serves as an Interdisciplinary Team member. Attends and participates in the weekly IDT meeting and attends staff meetings as they are scheduled.
Provides educational in-services on the psychosocial needs of the hospice patient/family to the hospice staff, volunteers, and other agencies when needed.
Participates in the on-call system when indicated by the President or Vice President of Clinical Services to include evenings, nights, holidays, and/or weekends to ensure 24 hour coverage of patient care.
Assesses and facilitates staff support as appropriate.
Adheres to national Association of Social Worker Code of Ethics.
Provides information, consultation, and professional support of interdisciplinary team members.
Participates in agency quality management.
Uses resources efficiently and prudently, i.e. medical and office supplies, cell phones, etc.
Schedules or manages his/her time effectively.
Communicates with patients and families, referral sources, insurance case managers, physicians and others with courtesy, responsiveness and cooperation.