Pediatric Palliative Care Specialist, Family Support (MSW or M.Div), Full-time

About the role

This is a community-based field position. The Pediatric Palliative Care Specialist - Family Support will spend much of their time meeting children and families in their own environments, including private homes, hospitals, clinics, community settings, and residential care facilities.

Responsibilities

• Assess emotional, social, cultural, spiritual, environmental, and financial needs of patients and families
• Provide ongoing emotional support during periods of crisis, uncertainty, and transition
• Develop meaningful relationships built on trust, compassion, and respect
• Deliver family-centered care by collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to create individualized plans of care
• Identify goals, priorities, strengths, and support systems for families
• Connect families with community resources and support services
• Lead bereavement and grief support efforts
• Support children, parents, siblings, and caregivers coping with anticipatory grief and loss
• Provide education and resources related to grief, coping, and resilience
• Collaborate with an exceptional interdisciplinary team
• Participate in Transitions Kids team meetings and care planning discussions
• Contribute to quality improvement and program development initiatives
• Support orientation and mentoring of new team members and students
• Provide after-hours support
• Respond to urgent family support needs
• Conduct home visits to provide support during crises or at the time of a child's death

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Master of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited university or Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Pastoral Care, or Master of Theological Studies from an accredited institution
• For Social Work candidates: LCSW required or obtained within two years of hire
• Minimum one year of experience in a healthcare or health-related setting
• Strong communication, counseling, and family support skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary team
• Strong technology and documentation skills
• Valid North Carolina driver's license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance
• Ability to travel throughout the service area to patient homes and care settings
• Ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds

Preferred Qualifications

• Pediatric healthcare experience
• Hospice or palliative care experience
• Pediatric bereavement experience
• Experience supporting families facing serious illness, grief, or loss
• Knowledge of Medicare regulations, accreditation standards, and healthcare reimbursement systems