Our team members are the heart of what makes us better.

At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community.

Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Pallative Care Social Worker works with a multidisciplinary treatment team to provide psychological, social, and interventions that support patients and families relating to behavioral/medical health, levels of care, disease and illness and wellness and recovery.

This is an onsite position based at JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ. Some cross coverage may be needed for other campuses such as Raritan Bay. A flexible schedule is needed and prior experience in hospice, palliative care and acute care is strongly desired. 

A day in the life of a Palliative Care Social Worker at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Provides a comprehensive assessment of a patient's psychosocial needs under supervision of an LCSW and develops treatment plans and treatment plan reviews based on findings and according to department policy.
• Provides effective behavioral/medical health treatment and education to patients, including assessment, psychotherapeutic counseling, or therapy (individual and/or group), and shares and interprets information to staff, families, and/or other approved agencies.
• Completes all documentation in accordance with department and hospital policy.
• Provides all services and interventions to patients in accordance with Licensure regulations defined by the governing licensing board, i.e., NASW or MFT.
• Utilizes and obtains and interprets information in terms of patient needs, knowledge of growth , development, and an understanding of the evidence- based range of treatment options for specific populations.
• Provides comprehensive case management services/assessment as warranted.
• Assess Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and provide information, education and/or referrals as appropriate to meet identified patient needs.
• Collaborates with the patient (with their consent), family, and other support persons involved in the patient's care to develop a comprehensive discharge plan that best meets the continuing care needs of the patient. 9. Reassesses treatment plan on an ongoing basis , evaluates progress, revises plan when clinically indicated. 
• Maintains protected patient health information as required by law, State Licensing, TJC and HMH policy. 
• Assists other behavioral/medical team members in responding to emergencies. 
• Has a working knowledge of various community agencies and resources and refers patients when appropriate. 
• Lifts a minimum of 5 lbs., pushes and pulls a minimum of 5 lbs. and stands a minimum of 4 hours a day.
• Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs (i.e., age, culture, language, hearing and/or visually impaired, etc.) This process includes communicating and providing instruction/education with the patient, parent and/or primary caregiver(s) at their level (developmental/age, educational, literacy, etc.). 
• Adheres to the standards identified in the Medical Center's Organizational Competencies.
• Receive proper supervision as per their Licensed Board. 
• Additional duties as assigned. In addition to the responsibilities listed in this job description, it is understood that each department/program may have specific requirements and/or regulations based on the level of care and treatments/services provided and/or the patient population receiving those treatments/services. These specific responsibilities will be reviewed with applicants/team members during the interview process and again at time of hire.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW).
• 0-3 years of total work experience in Social Work or related fields.
• Work under the supervision or guidance of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Ability to perform psychosocial assessments and develop treatment plans. 
• Knowledge of crisis intervention theory and its application in a variety of settings. 
• Knowledge of disease management and disease process and differential diagnosis and treatment techniques.
• Ability to work as part of a team, while building collaborative relationships.
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that may include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• NJ Licensed Social Worker. 

If you feel that the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!