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Northeast Georgia Health System is rooted in a foundation of improving the health of our communities.

About the Role:

Job Summary

Program manager for outpatient psychotherapy and counseling services to patients and families. Key member of the interdisciplinary leadership of Palliative Care across the continuum of inpatient and outpatient services. Primary manager over the coordination of behavioral health needs and psychosocial support for patients and families treated in the outpatient Palliative Care Clinic.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: Georgia license in Social Work (LCSW). Maintains current BCLS certification.

• Educational Requirements: Masters Degree; in Social Work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

• Minimum Experience: One (1) - three (3) years' experience in a hospital, agency or institution providing related health care service

• Other:

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Preferred Licensure or other certifications:

• Preferred Educational Requirements:

• Preferred Experience:

• Other:

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Social Work Knowledge

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• High energy and ability to function effectively in a dynamic work environment 

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively in a team environment

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provides individual and/or group psychotherapy and counseling to patients and families as appropriate; organize and/or lead appropriate groups for patients/families to develop understanding, coping skills, and increase knowledge and support for the patient/families; refer patient, client, or family to community resources to assist in recovery from mental or physical illness. 

• Provides psychosocial interventions with the highest integrity related to cultural appropriateness and developmental stage along the continuum of illness; supportive counseling, psychoeducation, anticipatory guidance, facilitation of family meetings, non-pharmacological triage of pain and symptom management.

• Maintain appropriate documentation and notation of psychotherapy and/or counseling to bill for services; Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.

• Assesses potential risk and intervenes clinically to identify: polysubstance abuse, drug diversion; suicidal ideation; abuse, neglect, exploitation; anticipatory, complicated, disenfranchised grief, and multiple aspects of loss, adaptation on the continuum of illness. 

• Collaborates with other professionals to evaluate the medical or physical patient concerns and to assess client needs. Functions as a liaison between the palliative care team and: Hospital Quality Improvement, Case Management/Social Services, Chaplain Services; Hospital/Community Hospice, Home Care agencies, Long Term Care/Assisted Living Facilities, other community services as indicated. 

• Reviews cases of patients at risk for significant social problems on a regular basis.

• Develops the Plan of Care in coordination with the Interdisciplinary Team and plans interventions as indicated by patient and family assessments.

• Assesses and regularly reassesses the needs of patients and families as evidenced by the clinical record.

• Prepares POT with short-term goals which are based on the evaluation of the patient and in consultation with the referring physician and interdisciplinary team according to the policies and procedures.

• Assists patients in filing for MCR, MCD, VA and other appropriate benefits.

• Assists patients and families in answering special correspondence and completion of forms.

• Assists with verifying the financial status of the patient.

• Provides liaison function between palliative care team and hospital quality improvement, discharge planning, and social service departments.

• Provides liaison function between palliative care team and hospice, home care agencies, long term care facilities and other community services as needed.

• Attends monthly and periodic team meetings for the operational and administrative functions of the palliative care service.

• Assist patients with completing the Advanced Care documents.

• Assist patients with completing the POLST document in collaboration with the clinical team.

• Documents interventions and planning of patient care in accordance with State, Federal, regulatory and agency standards.

• Manages a caseload of 15-22 patients, adhering to physicians' orders for visit frequency.

• Assumes the active role of advocate for the patient/family unit.

• Makes necessary contacts with interdisciplinary team members, including volunteers to facilitate the care of patients and families.

• Assists health team members in understanding the significant social and emotional factors related to the care of terminally ill patients and their families

• Participates in bereavement services provided to families and patients, as applicable.

• Provides counseling services to the patient and family within the framework of physician's orders and interdisciplinary team plan.

• Completes special projects/reports requested by the Medical Director and/or Director of Inpatient Medicine in a timely manner.

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 20 lbs, Occasionally 0-30% of time

• Weight Carried: Up to 20 lbs, Occasionally 0-30% of time

• Vision: Moderate, Occasionally 0-30% of time

• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Occasionally 0-30%

• Standing/Walking: Occasionally 0-30%

• Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally 0-30%

• Intensity of Work: Occasionally 0-30%

• Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding

Working at NGHS means being part of something special: a team invested in you as a person, an employee, and in helping you reach your goals. 

NGHS: Opportunities start here.

Northeast Georgia Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.