Medical Social Worker, MSW
VitalCaring Group · Lubbock, TX · 1 wk ago
On-siteOTHRFull-time
About the Role
As a Master's Social Worker (MSW) in Hospice, you'll provide essential emotional, psychosocial, and practical support to patients and their loved ones as they navigate terminal illness and end-of-life care. You'll be an important part of the interdisciplinary hospice team, helping families cope, plan, connect with resources, and feel supported through every stage of the journey. This is a role for someone who leads with compassion, understands the unique needs of hospice patients and families, and feels called to make a meaningful difference when it matters most.
Why Join VitalCaring?
- Meaningful Impact – Support patients and families through some of life's most meaningful and challenging moments
- Purpose-Driven Care – Help patients experience dignity, comfort, and quality of life throughout their hospice journey
- Autonomy + Flexibility – Manage your day in a field-based, patient-focused role
- Collaborative Team – Work alongside nurses, physicians, chaplains, aides, and other members of the interdisciplinary hospice team
- Growth & Development – Build your expertise through ongoing training and professional development
- Work-Life Balance – Flexibility designed to support a sustainable career
What You'll Do
- Support Patients & Families
- Assess the psychosocial needs of patients and families related to terminal illness, coping, family dynamics, and the home environment
- Provide counseling, emotional support, and guidance to patients and caregivers throughout the hospice journey
- Identify psychosocial risks and provide appropriate interventions and crisis support when needed
- Help patients and families navigate the emotional and practical challenges associated with end-of-life care
- Provide culturally sensitive support that recognizes each patient's individual beliefs, traditions, values, and family dynamics
- Guide End-of-Life Planning & Resources
- Educate and assist patients and families with advance directives and healthcare decision-making
- Connect patients and families with community resources and support services
- Assist with practical needs related to financial, legal, healthcare, and funeral planning
- Serve as a trusted resource to patients and caregivers as needs evolve throughout the hospice journey
- Collaborate with the Hospice Care Team
- Participate in developing individualized plans of care with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team
- Attend interdisciplinary group meetings and provide insight into psychosocial factors affecting the patient and family
- Partner with physicians, nurses, and other team members to support a holistic approach to end-of-life care
- Help the care team understand significant social and emotional factors related to terminal illness and death and dying
- Document & Communicate
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical records, assessments, and progress notes
- Communicate patient and family needs with the interdisciplinary care team
- Serve as a liaison between patients, families, caregivers, and community agencies
- Participate in quality improvement activities and uphold professional and regulatory standards
What Sets You Apart
- Deep compassion and emotional intelligence
- Comfort supporting patients and families through terminal illness, grief, loss, and end-of-life decisions
- Ability to navigate complex family dynamics with empathy and professionalism
- Strong crisis intervention, counseling, and problem-solving skills
- Resourceful, collaborative, and solution-oriented approach
- Respect for diverse cultural beliefs, traditions, and perspectives
- A genuine calling to support patients and families through hospice care
Requirements
- Master's degree in Social Work (MSW)
- Meets applicable hospice personnel qualifications
- 1+ year of experience as an MSW in a hospice setting
- Understanding of hospice philosophy and issues related to death and dying
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work tactfully with patients, families, caregivers, and community partners
- Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance when making home visits
Benefits
- Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage; Pharmacy benefits; Virtual care and mental health support; Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA); Supplemental health and life insurance
- Financial & Protection: 401(k) with company match; Employee referral program; Prepaid legal services; Identity theft protection
- Work-Life Balance & Perks: Generous paid time off; Pet insurance; Tuition and continuing education reimbursement