Hospice Social Worker (MSW)

Role Summary

The Social Worker provides emotional support, counseling, and resource navigation to patients, families, and caregivers as part of the interdisciplinary hospice team. This role collaborates with nursing, medical, and spiritual care staff to develop and implement individualized plans of care aligned with patient goals and values. The Social Worker also supports bereavement coordination and may provide supervision for other social work team members in accordance with licensing requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide psychosocial assessments, counseling, and support to patients and families facing terminal illness, grief, and end-of-life decisions.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop and update individualized care plans.
• Aid patients and families with resource identification, financial navigation, advance directives, and long-term planning.
• Participate in Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) meetings and care conferences to ensure holistic, team-based care.
• Document all services provided in the electronic medical record accurately and timely, in accordance with hospice policies and regulatory standards.
• Offer crisis intervention and support during acute emotional or practical challenges.
• Facilitate access to community resources including transportation, food, housing, and caregiver support services.
• Maintain communication with referral sources, caregivers, and other support agencies as needed.
• Support bereavement services, including family outreach, counseling, and coordination with the Bereavement Coordinator.
• Comply with professional ethics and regulatory standards including HIPAA, CMS Conditions of Participation, and state licensure requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Current active license in good standing as a social worker in the state(s) of practice (e.g., LMSW, LCSW, LSW), with eligibility to supervise if applicable.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in healthcare, hospice, or related setting preferred. Hospice Or Palliative Care Experience Strongly Preferred.
• Advanced hospice/palliative certifications such as ACHP-SW, CHP-SW, or APH-SW-C preferred.
• Knowledge of Medicare Conditions of Participation for hospice and psychosocial aspects of end-of-life care.
• Experience with EMR systems and clinical documentation standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to work independently within a team structure.
• Ability to compassionately educate and guide patients and families through emotionally sensitive conversations.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Strong communication, critical thinking, and documentation skills.

Supervision (If Applicable)

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) may provide supervision to Master’s-level social workers or interns in accordance with state licensing board requirements. Supervision must align with clinical, ethical, and documentation standards outlined by the appropriate state regulatory body and hospice policy.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

This role involves routine travel to patient homes, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities. Must be able to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods. May require occasional lifting, bending, or moving of materials.

Compensation

The starting compensation for this position is $70,000 - $70,000 USD. Arc Hospice & Palliative Care is committed to transparency and equity in all compensation practices. The rate displayed reflects the starting hourly or salaried pay for the role and does not represent a range. Final pay is determined based on factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and business needs at the time of hire. Some roles may be eligible for additional compensation components consistent with Arc Hospice & Palliative Care practices.