Palliative Clinical Social Worker

The Case Management & Social Services team at Porter Medical Center is hiring for a Clinical Palliative Care Social Worker to join their team!

Please note: This is an on-site position at Porter Medical Center in Middlebury, VT.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The incumbent functions as the Palliative Care Social Worker for inpatient and outpatient palliative care at Porter Health Network Porter Medical Center (PMC). Active role in palliative care consultation as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. Participates in serious illness conversations, including exploring and

assessing sources of current and future suffering particularly around the psychologic and social domains, perceptions of prognoses and treatment choices and assistance in plan of care coordination. Responsible for ongoing continuity during hospital course and engaging psychological, social and bereavement support. Attends to family dynamics, assesses and supports coping mechanisms and determinants of health, identifies and facilitates access to resources, and mediates conflicts.

EDUCATION:

Master's in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited school of social work. Preferred Advanced Hospice and Palliative Care Social Certification.

EXPERIENCE:

1 year of experience in the field of Palliative Care or Hospice preferred. Minimum of three years of experience of Clinical Social Work.

KNOWLEDGE/SPECIAL SKILLS:

Knowledge of palliative care, hospice and case management standards of practice, clinical practice guidelines and quality issues. Current knowledge of county, state, and federal programs (Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, SSI and Veterans benefits) in particular, and Medicare Hospice Benefits. Understanding of issues and resources available for the needs of diverse populations; knowledge of gaps in service delivery systems for population served. Knowledge of team/small group principals and dynamics. Demonstrates strong communication (verbal & written) skills. Demonstrates a desire to build honest and trustworthy relationships with all individuals. Exhibits an understanding of their own culture as well as individual beliefs, identities, values and biases and how they contribute to their interpersonal style. Demonstrated experience with psychological and social counseling in context of serious illness, end of life care, and bereavement.