Location: Sheridan,WY, USA
SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL # At Sheridan Memorial Hospital, we proudly rank in the top 13.6% of U.S. hospitals, recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. With over 850 dedicated employees and 100+ expert providers across 25 specialties, we are committed to exceptional, patient-centered care. Set in northern Wyoming#s stunning Big Horn Mountain foothills, Sheridan offers outdoor adventure and community charm. Our hospital combines cutting-edge technology with a collaborative, innovative culture. Join a team that values your skills, fosters growth, and empowers you to impact lives meaningfully. Apply today and be part of Sheridan Memorial Hospital#s mission of excellence! # Job Summary # Evaluates the emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs and status of the patient and family before and after the death of the patient to assist with issues related to grief, loss, and adjustment. Collects data to contribute to the patient plan of care. Participates in Quality Assessment/Performance Improvement activities in the hospice department to improve patient care. Performs initial bereavement assessment of patient and family and provides pre-death assessment, counseling, and provides coordination of bereavement support following death. Facilitates grief support groups and assists families in locating appropriate community resources. # ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES # Ensures the delivery of social services and grief counseling to patients, caregivers, and significant others. Contacts patient/caregiver within 5 working days of the referral. Collaborates with Hospice team members to conduct the initial referral assessment visit. Collaborates with team members in assessing appropriateness for Hospice services, given the bio-psychosocial circumstances, and in determining whether to admit to Hospice at the time of referral. Completes psychosocial assessment. Collaborates with team members to identify and incorporate psychosocial issues into the Plan of Treatment initially and on an ongoing basis. Contributes to continuity of care and effective communications between Hospice team members. Collaborates with patient/caregivers and Hospice team to ensure the delivery of safe and efficient quality Hospice services by participating in team meetings. Reports patient status verbally or in writing to the IDT if unable to attend a team meeting. Contacts team members if an issue arises between team meetings. Provides direct social work services to Hospice patients, families, and significant others including, but not limited to, the following: clinical assessment, counseling individual and/or family relating to adjustment to terminal illness, loss, and concerns identified in the Interdisciplinary Plan of Treatment; crisis intervention, financial needs and procurement of and/or referral to community resources. Provides ongoing psychosocial assessment. Addresses environmental, vocational, financial, physical, emotional, social, and family dynamics as appropriate. Provides ongoing assessment regarding risk factors influencing adaptation during course of illness or in bereavement. Provides bereavement counseling to patients, families and significant others in accordance with training, education, licensure, professional code of ethics and departmental standards and policies. Assists other team members in understanding and recognizing the significance of social, financial, environmental, family dynamics and emotional factors in relationship to patient, family and significant other response to terminal illness, treatment, loss issues and/or alternative care placement. Advocates on patient#s and/or family#s behalf as needed. Documents all patient/family/significant other contacts and intervention for the medical record within 5 working days. Provides emotional support to patients, caregivers and significant others. Is an empathetic listener, remains non-judgmental. Provides crisis intervention for Hospice patients, families and significant others. Identifies crisis situations and responds to other team members# concerns for crisis, with follow-up assessment and intervention appropriate to clinical assessment regarding within one (1) working day. Participates in or conducts family meetings with physician or other team members present, as needed. Coordinates and facilitates family conferences to intervene on identified clinical issues, and presents impact of interventions. Work meets or exceeds standards for social work in standards outlined in the Policy and Procedure manual. Maintains and upgrades skill and knowledge by participating in clinical case consultation with colleagues and continuing education. Remains current with literature and integrates knowledge into social work practice. Participates in quality improvement and quality assurance activities. Supports the mission and philosophy of Hospice. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times. Demonstrates a good working relationship within the department and with other departments. Demonstrates the ability to be flexible and organized. Observes standard precautions; avoids contact with anything that may be contaminated by body fluids. Complies with all applicable organization policies and procedures. Represents the organized in a positive and professional manner. Actively participates in performance improvement activities and continuous quality improvement. Prepares the annual report of Social Services and Bereavement services and presents that report at the annual meeting. # # POSITION QUALIFICATIONS # Education, #Experience # License # Has a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Current, unrestricted Wyoming State license to practice social work. Hospice experience, preferred. Completion of hospice volunteer training program within orientation period.# Behavior Descalation Training within 1 year of the position start date. # # Additional Skills # Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. Excellent interpersonal skills to relate effectively to staff, patients, caregivers and significant others. Emotional and mental maturity. # # # Specific demands not listed: Possible exposure to blood and or body fluids / infectious disease / hazardous waste requiring the use of Personal Protective Equipment. Exposure to odorous chemicals / specimens and Latex products. # Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening is required.# # Sheridan Memorial Hospital is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you#d like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click here.