Hospice Medical Social Worker, MSW

VitalCaring Group•Covington, LA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

VitalCaring is seeking a Master’s Social Worker (MSW) to provide field-based, patient- and family-centered hospice care. The social worker provides emotional, psychosocial, and practical support to patients and loved ones navigating terminal illness and end-of-life care as part of an interdisciplinary hospice team. The role helps patients and families cope, plan, connect with resources, and feel supported throughout the hospice journey. The position involves assessing psychosocial needs, providing counseling and crisis support, assisting with end-of-life planning and community resources, collaborating on individualized plans of care, maintaining clinical documentation, and communicating needs among patients, families, caregivers, and the care team. VitalCaring describes the role as autonomous and flexible, with ongoing training and professional development.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW).
Meets applicable hospice personnel qualifications.
At least 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.
Strong crisis intervention, counseling, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to navigate complex family dynamics with empathy and professionalism.
Respect for diverse cultural beliefs, traditions, and perspectives.

Nice To Haves

Deep compassion and emotional intelligence.
Resourceful, collaborative, and solution-oriented approach.
A genuine calling to support patients and families through hospice care.

Responsibilities

Assess psychosocial needs 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 emotional and practical challenges associated with end-of-life care.
Provide culturally sensitive support that recognizes individual beliefs, traditions, values, and family dynamics.
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 resource to patients and caregivers as needs evolve.
Participate in developing individualized plans of care with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team.
Attend interdisciplinary group meetings and share insight into psychosocial factors affecting patients and families.
Partner with physicians, nurses, and other team members to support holistic end-of-life care.
Help the care team understand significant social and emotional factors related to terminal illness, 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.