Medical Social Worker
Company: GHR Education
Location: Brookings
Posted on: March 31, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description POSITION SUMMARY: Provides comprehensive
psychosocial services and supportive counseling for hospice and
home health patients, families, and caregivers. Core member of the
Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (lDT). ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES: Including, but not limited to the following:
Assesses the psychosocial status of patients, families, and
caregivers in relation to the patient's medical condition and
environment. Identifies psychosocial goals and expectations and in
coordination with the care team, develops a Plan of Care which
helps the patient/family to maximize the quality of life and which
supports the patient's goals. Provides explanation of hospice
philosophy of care; coverage and services, and payer source
benefits, either as a pre-hospice referral or at the time of
admission. In collaboration with lDT, works in partnership with the
patient and family to identify issues that may complicate life
closure. Provides supportive counseling to patient, family, and/or
caregivers regarding the psychological aspects of illness,
palliative, and end-of-life care, as well as issues identified by
the patient as important/relevant. Conducts family meetings as
indicated. Assesses patient's financial resources; completes
Patient Financial Disclosure documents for patients with limited or
no insurance. Assures that medically related and social needs of
patients are met and maintained on an individual basis. Assists
patient/families to identify with and find mechanisms for dealing
with stress which accompany illness. Assists them in formulating
plans for enhancing patient's health and well-being. Coordinates
community resources, including caregiver assistance, placement
options, meals, transportation, financial resources, nursing home
placement, etc. Serves as liaison between patients, families,
caregivers and community agencies to advocate for and maximize
resources for the patient. Completes clinical documentation
reflective of the patient services performed per agency standards.
Collaborates with other members of the IDT including bereavement,
spiritual care and volunteers. Collaborates with other home health
disciplines to ensure coordination of care. Coordinates and/or
participates in various support groups as determined by agency
programs and identified community needs. Participates in community
education, including volunteer training and marketing. Participates
in patient care conferences, discharge planning and in-service
programs. Other tasks or projects as directed by the Clinical
Director. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Education, Certification, and
Licenses - Master's Degree from a school of social work accredited
by the Council on Social Work License by the state to use the title
of a social worker. (LMSW, LCSW, CSWA, ACSW) Current Driver's
License. Experience - A minimum of one year of experience in Social
Work in a health care setting. Home care, hospice, or palliative
care experience preferred. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS NECESSARY TO
PERFORM JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Strong verbal and written
communication skills Knowledge of principles and philosophy of
Medical Social Services as related to Home Health and Hospice care.
Thorough understanding of counseling techniques and psychosocial
assessments. Understanding of hospice philosophy; palliative and
end-of-life care. Working knowledge of applicable state and federal
regulations and standards of practice governing the delivery and
reimbursement of social work services. Knowledge of community
resources. Knowledge and expertise in family and social dynamics,
human behavior, and conflict resolution. Ability to work
independently with little supervision and demonstration of
satisfactory problem-solving skills. Work as an integral member of
the Home Health and Hospice care teams. Relate to and treat acutely
ill/chronically ill patients/families within the scope of practice.
Possess the disposition and personality to work harmoniously and
professionally with a wide variety of people and personality types
Ability to work flexible hours as required to meet identified
patient needs. Absolute integrity and the use of good judgment to
handle the professional and confidential nature of assignments.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS: While performing the duties of this
job, the employee is regularly required to operate standard office
equipment; reach with hands and arms; talk to patients, family
members, answering service, and co-workers, and hear their words;
vision requirements include close, distance and ability to adjust
focus. The employee is required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and
climb stairs, adjusting from sitting and standing is required.
Ability to perform tasks involving physical activity; extensive
bending, standing, walking, or sitting may be required. Ability to
deal effectively with stress. May occasionally drive for long
periods of time. WORK CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT: Employee may
encounter various environmental situations in individual patient
homes, including odors, tobacco smoke or animals. Tasks may involve
exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues. Travel is required
within entire service area.
Keywords: GHR Education, Sioux Falls , Medical Social Worker, Healthcare , Brookings, South Dakota
