Hospice Social Worker

Job Summary

The Hospice Social Worker provides compassionate psychosocial support to patients and families facing life-limiting illness. This role focuses on emotional support, counseling, care coordination, and resource facilitation to enhance quality of life and ensure dignity throughout the end-of-life journey. The Hospice Social Worker collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to address social, emotional, financial, and spiritual needs.

Key ResponsibilitiesPatient & Family Support

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments of patients and family systems
• Provide emotional support, counseling, and crisis intervention
• Assist patients and families in coping with illness, grief, and end-of-life transitions
• Support advance care planning, including discussions on goals of care and decision-making

Care Coordination

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members including nurses, physicians, chaplains, and therapists
• Facilitate communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers
• Coordinate community resources such as financial assistance, housing, transportation, and counseling services

Advocacy

• Advocate for patients’ rights, preferences, and dignity in care planning
• Assist with navigating healthcare systems, insurance, and benefits (Medicare/Medicaid, hospice eligibility)
• Support ethical decision-making and patient autonomy

Bereavement & Grief Support

• Provide grief counseling to patients and families
• Assist with anticipatory grief support
• Participate in bereavement services and follow-up after a patient’s passing

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation
• Ensure adherence to hospice regulations and standards (Medicare, state guidelines)
• Participate in care plan meetings and quality improvement activities

Education

• Educate patients and families about hospice philosophy and available services
• Provide guidance on end-of-life issues, coping strategies, and community resources

Qualifications Required

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program
• Current state licensure (e.g., LCSW or equivalent, depending on state requirements)
• Minimum of 1 year of healthcare or social services experience
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferred

• Experience in hospice, palliative care, or medical social work
• Knowledge of end-of-life care practices and bereavement support
• Familiarity with Medicare/Medicaid and hospice regulations

Skills & Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Compassionate, empathetic approach to patient and family care
• Ability to manage emotionally challenging situations
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and case management skills
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds and beliefs
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

Work Environment

• Patient homes, hospice facilities, assisted living centers, and hospitals
• Frequent travel within assigned service area
• May involve flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel between locations
• Ability to sit, stand, and engage in extended conversations
• Occasional lifting or mobility assistance (minimal compared to clinical roles)

Additional Information

• Must maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations
• Commitment to hospice philosophy of comfort-focused, patient-centered care

Pay: $45.00 - $55.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Mileage reimbursement

Work Location: In person