Hospice Medical Social Worker, MSW

VitalCaring Group•Chandler, AZ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Master’s Social Worker (MSW) in Hospice provides emotional, psychosocial, and practical support to patients and their loved ones as they navigate terminal illness and end-of-life care. The role is field-based and patient-focused, and works as part of an interdisciplinary hospice team to help families cope, plan, connect with resources, and feel supported throughout the hospice journey. The social worker assesses psychosocial needs, provides counseling and crisis support, assists with end-of-life planning and access to community resources, and contributes psychosocial insight to individualized plans of care. The position also maintains clinical documentation, communicates needs across the care team, and participates in quality improvement activities while upholding professional and regulatory standards.

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 ability to work tactfully with patients, families, caregivers, and community partners.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance when making home visits.
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.

Responsibilities

Assess patients’ and families’ 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 respects 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 their needs evolve.
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 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.