Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

Essential functions are the duties and responsibilities that are essential to the position (not a task list).  o not include if less than 5% of work time is spent on this duty.  Be specific without giving explicit instructions on how to perform the task.  Do not include duties that are to be performed in the future.  Duties should be action oriented and avoid vague or general statements. 

% of Time

(annually)

Utilizes clinical social work skills to ensure quality care by providing ongoing psychosocial assessments, supportive counseling, goal setting, crisis intervention, education and access to community resources for all clients.score: N/A

·         Performs comprehensive initial psychosocial assessments, including the assessment of social and emotional factors related to the client's condition, and the client and caregiver reaction to it.

·         Conducts ongoing reassessments of client/caregiver needs.

·         Develops and implements a goal-directed plan of care in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team based on changing needs.

·         Provides short-term crisis intervention and individual and family counseling and support as appropriate.

·         Provides group counseling as appropriate.

·         Provides information and access to additional community resources as needed.

·         Identifies and addresses risk management issues and involves the appropriate hospital and community agencies as appropriate.

·         Provides education to clients and caregivers on: the Palliative care philosophy, informed consent, Medicare/Medicaid benefits, client rights and responsibilities, Advance Directives, home safety, financial issues and communicating concerns.

 30%

1.     Provides advocacy for client rights, facilitates guardianships, counsels on Advance Directives, intervenes on abuse issues as mandated and protects client confidentiality.score: N/A

·         Assumes the role of client advocate for the client/caregiver when needed.

·         Educates and assists with nursing home placement, in home care planning and respite/acute admissions.

·         Educates and assists with Advance Directive planning including, Living Will, Power of Attorney, Surrogate and/or guardianship process, DNR and other end of life issues as appropriate.

·         Reports any questionable medical or other professional practice, as well as any known abuse situations to the Palliative care Manager.

·         Respects client confidentiality in all communication.

·         Remains current with regulatory, legislative and reimbursement mandates.

20%

2.     Demonstrates evidence of professional growth and development by maintaining a current knowledge base regarding social work and healthcare trends and community resources. Participates in quality improvement processes that result in process improvements and/or improvement in customer satisfaction.score: N/A

·         Remains current with available community resources.

·         Assumes responsibility for being informed about developments in social work and healthcare, specifically Palliative care.

·         Assumes responsibility for own personal and professional development and enhancement of social work skills.

·         Participates in the orientation program for new staff, volunteers and students as assigned.

·         Shares education with staff members, clients and caregivers as appropriate.

·         Coordinates the Palliative care volunteer program, including but not limited to, training, education, evaluation and competencies.

·         Participates in quality improvement activities as appropriate.

·         Participates in committees, task teams and agency health/educational events.

·         Maintains all departmental and MMCI educational requirements including, but not limited to: current licensure, competencies, and other certifications required by MMCI and/or Palliative care.

20%

3.       Facilitates interdisciplinary teamwork, collaboration and communication among the healthcare team, physicians, clients and caregivers, to ensure integrated efforts toward meeting the client/caregiver needs, goals and satisfaction with services.score: N/A

·         Ensures quality and safe delivery of care.

·         Observes, evaluates and brings to team conferences information regarding psychosocial, physical and financial conditions affecting the client and caregiver.

·         Participates in developing and modifying a client/caregiver plan of care in collaboration with other team members.

·         Develops and maintains contact with appropriate community agencies and services in order to promote interagency cooperation.

·         Identifies when supervision and/or peer consultation is indicated and seeks assistance in clinical management of a case when necessary.

·         Initiates and participates in family conferences when problems are identified to ensure quality care.

·         Attends and participates in weekly interdisciplinary team meetings.

20%

Basic UPH Performance Criteria         

·         Demonstrates the UnityPoint Health Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines.

·         Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance.

·         Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position.

·         Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, TJC, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.

·         Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year.

·         Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse.  Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff.  Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.

10%

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that required of the employee.  Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Demonstration of UPH Values and Standards of Behaviors

Consistently demonstrates UnityPoint Health’s values in the performance of job duties and responsibilities

Foster Unity:

·         Leverage the skills and abilities of each person to enable great teams.

·         Collaborate across departments, facilities, business units and regions.

·         Seek to understand and are open to diverse thoughts and perspectives.

Own The Moment: 

·         Connect with each person treating them with courtesy, compassion, empathy and respect

·         Enthusiastically engage in our work.

·         Accountable for our individual actions and our team performance.

·         Responsible for solving problems regardless of the origin.

Champion Excellence:

·         Commit to the best outcomes and highest quality.

·         Have a relentless focus on exceeding expectations.

·         Believe in sharing our results, learning from our mistakes and celebrating our successes.

Seize Opportunities:

·         Embrace and promote innovation and transformation.

·         Create partnerships that improve care delivery in our communities.

·         Have the courage to challenge the status quo.

Minimum Requirements

Identify items that are minimally required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Preferred or Specialized

Not required to perform the essential functions of the position.

Education:

Master's Degree in Social Work

Experience:

1-3 years of experience in/with Demonstrated skills in psychosocial assessment, counseling and group work. One (1) year of Social Work experience in a healthcare setting is required.

Palliative care experience

License(s)/Certification(s):

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License in the State of Illinois.

Must possess and maintain auto insurance.

Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) must be run annually.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Required English Skills

·         Advanced reading skills

·         Advanced writing skills

·         Advanced oral skills

Communication Skills

·         Ability to respond appropriately to customer/co-worker

·         Interaction with a wide variety of people

·         Maintain confidential information

·         Ability to communicate only the facts to recipients or to decline to reveal information

·         Ability to project a professional, friendly, helpful demeanor

Computer Skills

·         Basic computer knowledge: Uses word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail application, and web browser. Comfortable within Windows OS and learning new applications.

Other:

Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.

Work may occasionally require travel to other UPH facilities/hospitals.

Required to drive your own vehicle for business purposes.