Introducing our new Social Worker

Karson Keithley, MSW

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify patients/families with psychosocial barriers to community and healthcare resources and basic needs impacting their well-being. This will include: collaborating with individuals and their families and assessing their needs, developing a plan of care, coordinating delivery of services, monitoring changes and reassessing the person’s need on a regular basis.

• Being aware and understanding various payer groups. Serve as a resource regarding government benefit programs (Medicare, Medicaid, VA, etc). Also, assist patients in the navigation of benefit structures and financial resources. Assist the patients with applying for these programs (Medicaid Applications, financial assistance, etc).

• Maintain knowledge of community and organizational resources available to meet the needs of our patients. Assist the patients with understanding these resources and assist them with obtaining them.

• Collaborate & communicate with the patient’s care team.

• If patients are struggling emotionally. Provide them with empathetic listening and emotional support through counseling/therapy.

• Notarize and assist with Durable Power of Attorney’s (DPOA) and Health Care Directives.

Background:

• born and raised in Chillicothe, MO, and graduated from Chillicothe High School.

• Went to Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, MO. where she graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in May of 2020.

• Went on to the University of Kansas in Overland Park, KS for a year then graduating in May of 2021 with her Master of Social Work (MSW).

• Since graduating she has spent all her time in the healthcare field, working for Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph, MO for a while and the transitioned to working for Mosaic Hospice. This is where she realized she loves working in the home with patients and their families.

• Growing up, Karson always knew that she wanted to help others. “I love my job and how it allows me to do that. I am so excited to be back in the community I grew up in and can’t wait to help others and give back.