Social Worker (LSW/LCSW) - Hospice

About the role

The Hospice Social Worker assesses the psychosocial needs of patients and families, providing resource support, short-term counseling, and crisis intervention in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychosocial assessments to identify emotional, social, and environmental strengths and challenges related to diagnosis and treatment.
• Develop and implement care plans to enhance family systems, maximize community resource utilization, and support patient dignity and coping skills.
• Document assessments, interventions, and care plans accurately in electronic medical records, ensuring timely updates and modifications.
• Facilitate communication, support patient decision-making, and address end-of-life needs, including addressing indicators of imminent death.
• Assist with advanced directives, transportation barriers, and referrals for food, housing, financial aid, elder abuse, and access to benefits like Medicaid and SSDI.
• Understand Medicare Hospice Benefits, including eligibility, certification, recertification, and documentation requirements.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (Required).
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with proper state licensing.
• Minimum of 1 year healthcare social work experience in hospital, hospice, or long-term care settings.
• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and ability to practice with sensitivity to diverse patient needs.

Skills

This role demands strong assessment, communication, and documentation skills, with a focus on palliative and comfort care philosophies to support patients and families during challenging times.