Social Worker (MSW) - Community Palliative Care

Responsibilities

• Interview patients and their social support system to initiate psychosocial evaluations.
• Provide counseling, support, and education to patients and their social support system.
• Assist patients and their support system in coping with stress related to hospitalization, disability, or chronic/terminal illness.
• Work collaboratively with patients, their support system, and the multidisciplinary team to establish and implement a care plan that meets identified psychosocial needs.
• Serve as a resource to hospital staff and physicians regarding emotional, social, and psychosocial aspects of the patient’s illness and its impact on the support system.
• Assist and facilitate the multidisciplinary team in understanding and integrating psychosocial components into the plan of care.
• Intervene in crisis situations, applying crisis‑intervention theory and skills appropriately and effectively.
• Complete psychosocial assessments for patients’ post‑hospital care and for designated support systems.
• Work with the Clinical Care Management team to assess and evaluate the patient’s support system for appropriate level of care or environment across the continuum.
• Participate in multidisciplinary care‑planning meetings.
• Maintain current knowledge of community agencies and resources for social, emotional, or financial assistance; research availability as needed.
• Provide information and education to patients and their support system about community resources and post‑hospital care options appropriate to the patient’s age, in collaboration with Clinical Care Management.
• Make referrals to community agencies as needed.
• Report suspected cases of child and adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Serve as liaison between the hospital, patients/support system, and the Department of Social Services during evaluation or investigation.
• Identify and record clinical, psychosocial, and financial barriers to a smooth transition across the healthcare continuum and assist in system‑improvement initiatives.
• Work with Clinical Care Management leadership to identify problems, recommend solutions, and pursue resolution.
• Develop and maintain accurate case records for each referred patient; document in the medical record according to departmental standards.

Physical Requirements

Works in an office‑type setting with extensive walking throughout the facility. Requires prolonged periods of sitting while reviewing medical records and documentation, repetitive wrist motion, and occasional lifting of 10–20 pounds. Frequent verbal and written communication in English is required. Intact sight and hearing (with or without assistive devices) are necessary. Must be able to handle a fast‑paced environment and move independently from one location to another.

Education, Experience, and Certifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (required).
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred.
• If working in South Carolina, must meet and maintain state licensure requirements.
• At least one year of professional experience in a hospital or health‑related setting (preferred).
• Expertise with data‑management tools.
• Adherence to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.