Social Worker and CHW

CHW

Primary responsibilities of the CHW’s role include empowering the patient to facilitate shared decision making and care planning, providing patient and caregiver education (e.g., medication management, disease trajectories), and communicating the patient’s perspective and wishes to the palliative care team. The CHWs spend the most time with the patient either by visiting them in their home or via conversations over the phone.

Social Worker (SW)

Social Worker (SW) is a key member of the team whose role is to address patients’ psychosocial needs, facilitate advance care planning conversations with patients and families, and serve as a connection to relevant community resources. The SW is responsible for conducting patient home assessments and training and overseeing CHWs. Additionally, the SW assists with Medicaid applications, if applicable. Palliative team selected a SW with experience in home care delivery, palliative care, and a Master of Social Work degree or BSW.