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