New Hospice Social Worker Training Series

In exploring the significance of skillful hospice social work practice, this webinar will examine what it means to provide a more advanced level of intervention – a higher level of skill and focus beyond entry-level training and skillsets. How is "counseling" defined and which theoretical frameworks are a good fit? How do social workers move beyond "support" when people are in high levels of psychosocial distress? What are the preferred practices related to suicidal ideation interventions? What are the best ways to work alongside challenging people/personalities? This webinar will cover higher-level skills and the social worker’s role in addressing more complex situations.

Do you ever hear yourself or others say, “Social workers aren't appreciated or valued here"? If so, it may mean the team’s social workers need to adjust their approach to being an active member of the interdisciplinary team. Are people clear about your value? The best way to address this is to first serve as advocates for yourselves and your discipline. Clearly, being "aggressive" never works and it doesn’t work to just say, "You need to value us.” This webinar will focus on ways social workers can become more effective team members, become more effective at facilitating the interdisciplinary process, and serve as advocates for their role and for the complex psychosocial needs of patients and families. This program will cover common obstacles specifically related to the work of the hospice social worker, explore positive problem-solving, and how to become solution-focused in your approach to care.

Do social workers play a prominent role in addressing pain and symptom management in your hospice? Do they regularly provide counseling for situations involving emotional distress and suicidal ideation utilizing specific theoretical frameworks? The role of the hospice social worker is comprehensive, and their work should always be informed by the most recent research and preferred practice standards. This webinar will delineate the work of the hospice social worker and link what they do to regulations and national standards.