independent social worker

The Independent Social Worker provides professional social work services to patients and their families receiving home healthcare services. The Social Worker assesses psychosocial needs, provides counseling and supportive services, assists with care planning, and connects patients and families with appropriate community resources.

The Social Worker works collaboratively with the patient's healthcare team to promote the patient's safety, independence, emotional well-being, and ability to remain in the home.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments of patients and families.
• Identify social, emotional, environmental, financial, and other factors that may affect the patient's care and well-being.
• Develop and implement individualized social work interventions based on patient needs.
• Provide supportive counseling to patients and family members.
• Assist patients and caregivers in coping with illness, disability, changes in family circumstances, and other challenges.
• Provide information and referrals to appropriate community, government, financial, housing, transportation, counseling, and support services.
• Assist patients and families with accessing available benefits and community resources.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care planning and communicate relevant findings and recommendations to the healthcare team.
• Advocate for patient rights, preferences, safety, and access to appropriate services.
• Assist with discharge planning and coordination of services when appropriate.
• Identify potential safety concerns, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other situations requiring further intervention and report them in accordance with applicable laws and agency policies.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation in accordance with agency requirements.
• Complete required assessments, progress notes, care plans, and other documentation.
• Communicate significant changes in the patient's psychosocial condition to the appropriate agency personnel.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA and applicable laws.
• Participate in case conferences and other meetings as requested.
• Maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards at all times.
• Perform other duties related to social work services as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited social work program preferred, or other degree/credential as permitted by applicable state requirements and the agency's scope of services.
• Current social work license or credential required for the services being provided.
• Experience working with patients in home healthcare, hospice, behavioral health, community health, or a related setting preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources and social service programs.
• Strong communication, organizational, assessment, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage assigned visits and caseload.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel to patients' homes as required.
• Ability to maintain professional and confidential relationships with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Independent Contractor Expectations

As an Independent Social Worker, the contractor is responsible for maintaining all required professional credentials, licenses, certifications, and insurance applicable to the services provided. The contractor is expected to complete assigned services in a professional and timely manner and maintain documentation consistent with agency policies, contractual requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.

Physical Requirements

The position may require the ability to travel to patients' homes and work in a variety of home environments. The Social Worker must be able to communicate effectively with patients and caregivers and perform the duties necessary to complete assessments, counseling, documentation, and care coordination.

Confidentiality

The Independent Social Worker must maintain strict confidentiality regarding all patient, family, employee, and agency information and comply with HIPAA and all applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement:
The agency provides equal employment and contracting opportunities without unlawful discrimination and is committed to maintaining a professional, respectful, and inclusive work environment.