Licensed Social Worker - Palliative Care Clinic

Exceptional care starts with exceptional people.

For us, this is more than a job– it’s a calling. It’s waking up each day, looking for ways to make a difference with a compassionate, inclusive and talented team. Ochsner empowers you to discover your passion, reach your potential, and Pursue Your Purpose. Exceptional care starts with exceptional people and teams. Together we are leading the way.

This job engages in advanced clinical social work practice in the medical setting based on the application of social work theory, knowledge, ethics and methods to restore or enhance, social, psychosocial or bio-psychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations and communities. Applies specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in the areas of prevention, assessment and treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral and addictive disorders; engages in multi-disciplinary treatment planning and clinical social work duties and coordinates and implements complex discharge plans through the use of the company and community-based services.To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Education

• Required - Master's in social work (MSW)

Work Experience

• Required - 5 years of related experience
• Preferred - Experience in a medical social work field.

Certifications

• Required - Current Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of practice and able to engage in independent practice.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Good knowledge of common disease entities and disorders and medical terminology in order to understand acute and ongoing needs of patients and families.
• Excellent psychotherapeutic skills.
• Superior interpersonal skills necessary to deal effectively and courteously with patients, families, multi-disciplinary team members, departmental peers and community agency personnel.
• Advanced knowledge of an acute and chronic care medical setting, medical terminology and the psychosocial and economic effects of illness and/or trauma upon the patient and their support system.
• Advanced knowledge of managed care and public programs such as those funded by Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and commercial insurance plans.
• Proficiency in using computers, software, and web-based applications.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
• Ability to travel throughout and between facilities and work a flexible work schedule (e.g. 24/7, weekend, holiday, on call availability).

Job Duties

• Interviews and assesses patients and assists throughout patient care plan
• Identifies and provides helpful resources to patients and families
• Maintains patient records and documents and communicates critical information to the medical team
• Participates in on-call rotation
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns. The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue, but exposure or potential for exposure may occur. The incumbent works with patients who have known or suspected communicable diseases and may enter isolation rooms. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.

Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.

Are you ready to make a difference? Apply Today!

Ochsner Health does not consider an individual an applicant until they have formally applied to the open position on this careers website.

Please refer to the job description to determine whether the position you are interested in is remote or on-site. Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C.

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Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.