Medical Social Worker, MSW - Hospice - PRN

About the role

As a Master’s Social Worker (MSW) in Hospice at VitalCaring, you will provide essential emotional, psychosocial, and practical support to patients and their loved ones as they navigate terminal illness and end-of-life care. You will 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 and resources
• Connect patients and families with community resources and support services
• Aid in 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
• 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

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

Qualifications

• 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

Skills

• 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
• Genuine calling to support patients and families through hospice care

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, and more