Pediatric Palliative Care Social Worker

Company Description Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego is a nationally recognized pediatric healthcare leader, ranked among the top 10 children’s hospitals in the United States by U.S. News & World Report in 2024. The 511-bed hospital is the largest provider of comprehensive pediatric medical services for San Diego, southern Riverside, and Imperial counties. With more than 40 locations, it is the only health system in the San Diego area dedicated exclusively to pediatric care and serves as the region’s designated pediatric trauma center. As a nonprofit organization, Rady Children’s relies on community support and philanthropy to advance its mission of delivering high-quality, compassionate care to children and families. Role Description The Pediatric Palliative Care Social Worker provides specialized psychosocial support to children with serious or life-limiting conditions and their families, focusing on comfort, quality of life, and emotional well-being. This full-time, on-site role in San Diego, CA includes conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments, developing care plans, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams including physicians, nurses, chaplains, and therapists. Day-to-day responsibilities involve providing counseling, crisis intervention, grief and bereavement support, and assistance with care coordination and discharge planning. The social worker also helps families navigate healthcare systems and community resources, advocates for patient and family needs, and participates in family meetings, care conferences, and ethics consultations as needed. Additional duties may include documentation in the medical record, participation in quality improvement initiatives, and contribution to staff education on pediatric palliative care. Qualifications Demonstrated skills in psychosocial assessment, counseling, and crisis intervention for children and families facing serious illness. Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary clinical teams in pediatric, hospice, palliative, or hospital settings. Ability to provide grief and bereavement support, including end-of-life care planning and family-centered communication. Strong skills in care coordination, discharge planning, and linkage to community, social service, and financial resources. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills, with the ability to support diverse cultures and family structures. Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program; current clinical social work license (or eligibility) in California preferred. Experience in pediatric healthcare, palliative care, hospice, or oncology strongly beneficial. Ability to manage emotionally intense situations, maintain professional boundaries, and practice trauma-informed, family-centered care. #J-18808-Ljbffr