Medical Social Worker (MSW)

VNA Health; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO accrual from day one

Wellness reimbursement

403(b) retirement plan

FSAs

Transportation reimbursement

Competitive salary

Employee assistance program

Public transportation reimbursement

Job summary

VNA Health in Santa Barbara, CA seeks a Medical Social Worker (MSW) contracted or employed to implement standards of care for medical social work services and ensure compliance with service agreements. The MSW upholds the mission and values of VNA Health and supports patients and families facing terminal illness.

Responsibilities include psychosocial assessments in patients’ homes, bereavement planning, care coordination with interdisciplinary teams, documentation, and liaison with community

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
• At least one year of healthcare experience; hospice experience preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred, not required.
• Licensed driver with insured automobile as required by state/organization.
• Strong verbal and written communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to terminal illness in patient homes and in their environment.
• Conduct social evaluations and plan interventions; counsel patients and families on stress related to terminal illness.
• Perform initial bereavement assessment focusing on social, spiritual, and cultural factors and incorporate into care plan.
• Maintain clinical records for all referred patients with thorough, accurate documentation per policy.
• Provide information, referrals, and liaison between patients/families and community agencies; develop contracts with public/private agencies.
• Participate in discharge planning and interdisciplinary team meetings; support family planning and post-discharge needs.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Organization skills

Education

Master’s degree in social work (CSWE-accredited)

Job description

About Us

At VNA Health, our mission is to revolutionize healthcare through compassion and innovation, ensuring every individual's well-being is prioritized. We empower our employees to make a real difference in the lives of patients and communities, driving positive change in healthcare. Join us in our mission to provide exceptional care and improve the health and dignity of those we serve.

Benefits

• Employer-sponsored insurance premiums: dental, vision, basic life, disability, AD&D
• Generous paid time off (PTO) accrual from day one
• Wellness benefit with annual reimbursement for fitness and wellness expenses
• Financial wellness program with a matching 403(b) retirement plan and healthcare and dependent care FSAs
• Supportive company culture with employee assistance program and public transportation reimbursement
• Competitive compensation: $75,000 – $85,000

Job Summary

The Medical Social Worker (MSW), contracted or employed through VNA Health, is responsible for implementing standards of care for medical social work services and ensuring adherence to all conditions in the service or employment agreement. The MSW respects and promotes the mission, values, and vision of VNA Health.

Responsibilities

Patient Assessment and Intervention

• Assess psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to terminal illness and environment, providing assessment in patient’s residence and assisting when unsafe.
• Conduct social evaluations and plan interventions based on findings; counsel patients and families on stress and issues arising from terminal illness.
• Conduct initial bereavement assessment focusing on social, spiritual, and cultural factors and incorporate into plan of care.
• Maintain clinical records for all patients referred to social work, completing thorough, accurate, and timely documentation per agency policy.
• Provide information, referral services, and liaison between patients/families and community agencies.
• Develop and maintain contracts with public and private agencies as resources for patients and personnel.

Interdisciplinary Team Work

• Maintain collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to develop comprehensive and updated assessments every 14 days and plan of care based on psychosocial assessment, attending weekly meetings.
• Assist physicians and other team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems and dying issues.
• Participate in discharge planning, including securing durable power of attorney and assisting with funeral arrangements when needed.

Quality and Compliance

• Participate in the hospice’s quality assessment and performance improvement program.
• Maintain knowledge of state, federal, local, and accreditation regulations for hospice services.
• Meet daily average productivity standards set by the agency.
• Perform other duties as delegated by the Social Services Manager.
• Participate in variable shifts, including weekend and holiday rotations, as needed.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Minimum one year of experience in health care; hospice experience preferred.
• Understanding of hospice philosophy and issues of death/dying.
• Experience in hospice care preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred, not required.
• Licensed driver with insured automobile per state or organization requirements.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication and organization skills.