Hospice Medical Social Worker

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Hospice Medical Social Worker to join our team at Life New Look Hospice. In this role, you will provide emotional support, counseling, and advocacy services to patients and their families during end-of-life care. You will work closely with the interdisciplinary care team to address the social, emotional, and psychological needs of patients, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect in their final stages of life.

Key Responsibilities:

• Patient & Family Support: Provide counseling and emotional support to patients and their families dealing with end-of-life issues, grief, and loss. Assist in coping strategies for adjustment to terminal illness.
• Assessment & Care Planning: Conduct thorough psychosocial assessments of patients and families to identify needs and concerns. Collaborate with the medical team to develop and implement personalized care plans.
• Resource Coordination: Help patients and families access available community resources, such as financial assistance, legal aid, and spiritual support services.
• Crisis Intervention: Offer guidance and intervention during times of emotional crisis, ensuring patients and families receive appropriate care and comfort.
• End-of-Life Planning: Assist with advance care planning, including living wills, durable power of attorney, and other important end-of-life documentation.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, chaplains, and other hospice staff to ensure comprehensive, holistic patient care.
• Education & Advocacy: Provide education on hospice services, rights, and choices. Advocate for the needs and wishes of patients in various settings, including at-home, nursing homes, and inpatient facilities.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation of social work interventions and patient progress in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program.
• Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in medical social work, preferably in a hospice or palliative care setting.
• Licensing: Current licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LCSW, LMSW, or equivalent, depending on state requirements).
• Skills:
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to assess and address the emotional, social, and financial needs of patients and families.
  • Compassionate, empathetic, and patient-focused demeanor.
  • Knowledge of hospice care principles, end-of-life care, and community resources.
• Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification preferred.