Description

Position Overview

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at Keck Medical Center of USC plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive psychosocial assessments, treatment planning, and tailored social work services for patients and their families. This full-time remote position emphasizes the integration of clinical knowledge and compassionate support, specifically within our Hospice Center, ensuring that patients receive empathetic care during their most challenging times.

About the Organization

Keck Medical Center of USC is a leading healthcare institution renowned for its patient-centered approach and a commitment to advancing medical care through research and education. Our interdisciplinary team collaborates to provide innovative, high-quality healthcare services. As part of a respected academic medical center, we prioritize the well-being of our patients, fostering an environment conducive to healing and comfort.

Work Environment

This position offers a remote work setting, allowing for flexibility and convenience while maintaining accessibility to our dedicated team members. The Hospice Center is a specialized facility where our team provides emotional, social, and spiritual support to patients facing life-limiting illnesses. Our social workers are an integral part of an interdisciplinary team, collaborating closely with healthcare professionals to ensure holistic care for our patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Psycho-social Assessment: Conduct timely and thorough assessments utilizing knowledge of human behavior and psychosocial factors affecting treatment outcomes, while being mindful of potential ethical and risk issues.
• Clinical Intervention: Provide supportive counseling to patients and families, facilitating difficult conversations regarding treatment options, such as hospice care and DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders. Assist families in communicating their concerns to medical staff and work collaboratively with Case Managers on discharge planning.
• Caseload Management: Effectively manage a diverse caseload of patients, identifying high-risk situations and balancing referrals, admissions, and ongoing patient care. Seek support from colleagues or managers as necessary to maintain quality of care.
• Legal and Ethical Standards: Ensure all clinical activities comply with legal and ethical guidelines, including issues relating to suspected abuse, patient rights, and conservatorship, while adhering to Tenet Policies and Procedures.
• Documentation: Complete necessary documentation per policy, including Interdisciplinary Plan of Care, Education Forms, Advanced Health Care Directive follow-up, and Social Services Progress Notes.
• Staff In-Service: Deliver training sessions to hospital staff on psychosocial issues impacting patient care, such as Lunch and Learn educational formats.
• Quality Improvement: Actively participate in the development, monitoring, and analysis of performance indicators aimed at enhancing patient care quality.
• Competency Maintenance: Stay updated on hospital and age-specific standards of care to ensure the delivery of high-quality services.
• Additional Duties: Engage in activities related to Social Work Month, support groups, and educational programs for patients, families, staff, and volunteers as needed.

Patient Population / Client Focus

The focus of this position is primarily on patients with life-limiting illnesses, offering emotional and practical support to both patients and their families. The LCSW addresses the unique challenges faced by families during this delicate time, assisting them with healthcare decisions and ensuring that their voices are heard in the care process.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited graduate school.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in a medical setting, with at least 1 year in a cancer care environment preferred.
• Effective communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
• Exemplary customer service skills, demonstrating a commitment to patient care excellence.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, planning, and evaluative abilities.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team including physicians, staff, and patients.
• Capacity to work autonomously as well as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working in hospice or palliative care settings, with a proven ability in helping patients and families navigate complex healthcare decisions.
• Previous supervision experience of graduate students or MSW employees is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual base salary for this position ranges from USD 120,000 to 130,000. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and opportunities for continuous professional development.

Career Growth Opportunities

At Keck Medical Center of USC, we believe in fostering the growth and development of our employees. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, there are numerous opportunities to advance one's career through continued education, involvement in research projects, and participation in leadership roles within the organization.

Why Join Our Team

Joining our team means becoming part of a patient-centered organization dedicated to improving health outcomes for patients in our care. We prioritize collaboration, compassion, and excellence, ensuring our staff has the support they need to thrive in their roles. You will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients' lives and contribute to the well-being of families during vulnerable times.

Application Information

If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families, we encourage you to apply for this position. Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, through our online portal. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our team!