Counselor** Hospice Home Team

Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast Job DescriptionJob Title: Counselor – Field or Hospice HouseDivision / Dept: Hospice/ Social Services Reports To: Manager Social Services FLSA Status: Hourly or Salary (pending work location & degree) Approved By/Date: Vice President Human Resources; 9/2017Job Summary:Provide skilled medical social services to the patients, wherever they are receiving hospice services and with their family as additional support. Demonstrate professional, courteous manner that leaves patients/customers feeling heard, understood, respected, helped, and above all appreciated. Perform duties under a dual reporting relationship to the Manager of Social Services, for alignment with department goals, and supervision and feedback on overall services provided, and the Hospice House Manager and/or designee, such as the Hospice House Charge Nurse on daily services needed. Demonstrate and integrate the core values of the VNA in the performance of duties.Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities:The individual must be able to perform the essential job duties and responsibilities to be effective. Other duties may be assigned as needed.1. Identify and advocate for patient/family wishes at end of life2. Demonstrate professional, courteous manner that leaves patients/customers feeling heard, understood, respected, helped, and above all appreciated3. Complete initial assessment and provides ongoing support and intervention to patients and families4. Develop individual plan of care as required5. Participate in rounds at Hospice House as frequently as needed; initiate counseling with patient and family to support6. Provide crisis intervention as needed7. Identify need for and initiate community referrals for patient and family8. Actively participate in identifying and assisting with an appropriate discharge plan for each patient9. Serve as contact person for volunteers to facilitate assignment and identification of areas of patient/family/staff need; Liaison to Volunteer Department10. Schedule, coordinate and document interdisciplinary case conferences11. Schedule calendar of visits12. Complete electronic documentation in accordance with policy13. Attend in-services programs and routine interdisciplinary meetings as a member of the Hospice Team, providing counseling input as needed14. Periodic joint review with agency administration for social worker interventions at VNA and assist in planning new goals and objectives15. Participate in QA activities16. Participate in volunteer, staff, community education, speaking engagements and community health projects17. Comply with regulatory, VNA policies and safety standards for all work locationsInitials: Associate _______/ Manager _______Counselor Addendum1. If associate has MS degree, may be asked to test clinical competencies of BS associate to comply with agency professional development expectations2. If associate has a LCSW degree, may be asked to perform supervisory duties as neededSkills/Abilities: Customer service Communication – oral, verbal and auditory Adaptability, flexibility Initiative Problem solving Formal presentation to diverse audiences Financial understanding Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, Outlook; PowerPoint a plusQualifications:BS minimum; MS preferred; LCSW a plus; Minimum 1 year social service experience within healthcare or medical fieldPhysical Requirements and Work Environment:To perform the essential duties, the individual must be able to:Regularly speak, listen; stand walk, use hands to finger motion to handle and/or feel objects, tools, or control. Reach, bend, and stoop. Vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.Occasional: sit, climb, and carry objects up to 20 lbs.The work environment characteristics described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Majority of work is in a hospital like office environment and/or office environment with noise ranging from quiet to moderate. Occasional work can be outside and outside weather conditions vary from moderate to loud. Occasional local travelAssociate Statement of UnderstandingI have read and understand the job description for my position. I am able to perform all the essential functions of this position.As an associate, I will strive to uphold the mission and vision of the organization. I understand that I am required to adhere to the VNA core values in all interactions with customers, stake holders and fellow associates.Associate Signature: ___________________________ Date: ______________________