Hospice Social Worker Preceptor

Working title: Hospice Social Work Preceptor 

Classification title:  LCSW  

Division:  Home Health and Hospice                             

Program: Hospice

Reports to:   Chief Operating Officer 

FLSA Status: PRN

Wage Range: $37.85 hourly including a 10% PRN premium 

Organizational Overview

Serving the Yellowstone County community and south-central Montana for nearly 50 years, RiverStone Health is an essential provider of personal and public health services. Health, Education, Leadership and Protection – HELP is what we do.  From medical, dental and behavioral healthcare; home health and hospice; public health services like immunizations, WIC, health promotion and restaurant inspections; and educating the next generation of health professionals, our expertise spans all ages and stages of life.  Underlying principles of access, affordability, compassion and quality in all interactions, RiverStone Health improves life, health and safety for all of the communities we serve. 

Hospice Overview:

The RiverStone Health Hospice Services care for terminally ill patients who want to receive comfort-oriented care rather than continue to seek a cure. Hospice care emphasizes quality of life. Care and grief support services are provided wherever home is. Most hospice patients receive care in their home, or the home of a relative or friend.  Hospice care can also be provided in nursing homes or other facilities.  Working together with patient and family, our team of hospice professionals and volunteers help relieve physical symptoms and decrease psychological, social, emotional, or spiritual distress of patients and their caregivers. Our 24 hour on-call nursing services are available to meet urgent needs.

Job Summary:

The Hospice Social Work Preceptor provides oversight and clinical supervision for hospice social work licensure candidates. Ensuring the delivery of high-quality psychosocial care to patients and families experiencing serious illness, end of life care, and bereavement. This position is responsible for providing licensure supervision to hospice LMSW, LBSW and LCSW licensure candidates, maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations, supporting interdisciplinary team collaboration, and promoting excellence in patient and family centered care. The Hospice Social Work Preceptor assists staff in addressing complex psychosocial, emotional, financial, and community resource needs while ensuring services align with hospice philosophy, regulatory requirements, and organizational goals.  

Essential Functions/Major Duties and Responsibilities: 

A. Preceptor Duties                       85%

• Provide licensure supervision and mentoring hospice social workers looking to achieve LMSW/LCSW/LBSW licensure
• Ensure social work services meet all Medicare Conditions of Participation, state regulations, accreditation standards, and organizational policies.
• Participate as a member of the interdisciplinary group (IDG) and support effective coordination of patient care.
• Review social work documentation for quality, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
• Assist LMSW/LCSW/LBSW Licensure candidates with complex patient and family situation, including crisis intervention, conflict resolution, abuse concerns, and end-of-life decision-making.
• Support staff development through training, education, competency assessment, and ongoing professional coaching.
• Facilitate communication among patients, families, caregivers, physicians, community resources, and healthcare providers.
• Provide complete and accurate patient medical records and documentation

B. Social Worker Services 10%

• Perform initial intake and assessment.
• Advocate for clients or patients.
• Educate and provide options and resources to clients to assist them in making informed decisions.
• Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate and assess patients' needs.
• Refer patient, client, or family to community resources to assist in, or provide access to services.
• Utilize consultation data and social work experience to plan and coordinate client or patient care, following through to ensure service efficacy.
• Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment or care plan.
• Identify impediments to client or patient progress or care through interviews and review of records.
• Counsel clients and patients in individual and group sessions.
• Organize support groups or counsel family members to assist them in understanding, working with, and supporting the client or patient.
• Modify treatment plans to comply with changes in clients' status.
• Supervise or work collaboratively with others providing services to clients or patients at the hospice house and in the community hospice program which serves patients and their families in the home setting.
• Plan and conduct programs applicable to the field of work such as counseling services. 
• Develop or advise on social policy and assist in community development.
• Conduct social research to advance knowledge in the social work field.
• Investigate abuse or neglect cases and take authorized protective action when necessary.
• Oversee social work-related paperwork and recordkeeping with other resource organizations.

Non-Essential Functions/Other duties as assigned    ≥5%

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the RiverStone’s mission and goals.

Education and Experience: 

Minimum Qualifications

• Current LCSW or LMSW, in good standing with ability to supervise licensing candidates
• Complete board-approved education in clinical supervision.
• Experience working with hospice patients and families

Preferred Qualifications:

• Medical terminology training or experience
• 3 years of supervisory experience
• Experience in community education or presentations 
• Experience in community health center or with underserved population

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Current professional license in the State of Montana LCSW or LMSW in good standing.
• Valid State of Montana Driver’s License in good standing
• Required to obtain emergency preparedness on the job training 
• BLS Certification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, practices, and equipment.
• Maintains a calm and positive demeanor during difficult client interactions.
• Demonstrates non-judgmental and empathetic listening skills. 
• High degree of detail-oriented skill.
• Knowledge and understanding of protected sensitive patient health information (HIPAA) and confidentiality. 
• Motivated to work collaboratively and maintain a positive work environment.
• Effective problem-solving skills  
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and customers.
• Ability to prioritize and perform a wide range of tasks under pressure of frequent interruptions. 
• Ability to perform job duties with integrity and innovation to ensure completion and a high level of quality.  
• Understands and adheres to administrative policies and procedures.

Customer Service Excellence: 

• Does things right the first time and accepts responsibility for mistakes
• Welcomes people to RiverStone Health
• Shows respect for each customer
• Anticipates customer needs and concerns
• Updates and informs customers 
• Assists others and goes the extra mile
• Responsive to client interests and concerns
• Protects privacy and confidentiality
• Demonstrates proper telephone etiquette
• Gathers information and responds to complaints promptly
• Being professional
• Accepts ownership of Service Excellence.

Supervision: 

NA

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Required to stand, walk and sit; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to travel and use own personal vehicle. Expected to drive a vehicle which requires sitting, seeing and reading signs, traffic signals, other vehicles, etc. Travel occurs in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
• Will be exposed to home environments that may include allergens such as smoke, pets, etc.
• Create and maintain a safe/secure working environment by adhering to safety, security, and health requirements. Integrates injury, illness, and loss prevention into job activities by attending any necessary training and implementing best practices.

Freedom to Act & Decision Making: 

• Uses independent judgement
• Work is structured by CMS hospice regulations and established medical practices.
• Decisions directly affect the quality of services provided to the public.

Communications & Networking: 

• Work directly with other team members to provide quality customer service for patients and customers.
• Position requires continual written and oral communication with clients, patients, family members, community resources, colleagues, management, etc.
• Responsible for medical and non-medical confidential information.

Budget & Resource Management: 

NA