Hospice Medical Social Worker

Optimal Care - Evergreen•Jackson, MI

1d•$66,000 - $71,000

About The Position

Bring your clinical expertise and compassion to one of healthcare's most meaningful specialties. As a Hospice Medical Social Worker, you'll provide essential psychosocial support to patients facing terminal illness and help families navigate one of life's most challenging transitions with dignity, preparation, and emotional support. This role is perfect for a licensed MSW who wants to practice the full scope of clinical social work - conducting comprehensive psychosocial assessments, providing crisis intervention, facilitating advance care planning, and offering grief counseling. You'll be a vital member of our interdisciplinary team, helping ensure that emotional, social, and practical needs are addressed alongside medical care.

Requirements

Master's or doctoral degree from a CSWE-accredited school of social work
Current State License as a Master's Social Worker (MSW/LMSW/LCSW)
Minimum 1 year of experience as a licensed Master's Social Worker
Reliable transportation with valid automobile insurance
Willingness to travel to homes, facilities, and community settings
Strong clinical counseling and grief support skills
Expertise in psychosocial assessment and crisis intervention
Ability to guide patients and families through end-of-life challenges
Excellent communication skills with emotional intelligence
Cultural sensitivity and competence working with diverse populations
Knowledge of community resources and social service systems
Strong interdisciplinary collaboration abilities
Understanding of family systems and dynamics
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing empathetic support
Deep commitment to hospice philosophy of care

Nice To Haves

Previous hospice or palliative care experience
Clinical experience with grief counseling and end-of-life issues
Knowledge of Medicare hospice benefit and Conditions of Participation

Responsibilities

Provide Expert Psychosocial Assessment and Support
Conduct initial psychosocial evaluations within 5 days of hospice admission
Assess family dynamics, caregiver abilities, communication patterns, and coping mechanisms
Identify high-risk situations including potential for suicide, neglect, or abuse
Continuously re-evaluate patients' and families' psychosocial needs throughout care
Provide crisis intervention when necessary
Deliver Clinical Counseling Services
Counsel patients and families on stress management and coping difficulties
Help families navigate the emotional challenges of terminal illness and impending loss
Assess cultural needs and educate the interdisciplinary team on cultural considerations
Address communication barriers, family roles, traditions, and cultural sensitivities
Provide bereavement support and coordinate ongoing grief services
Facilitate Advance Care Planning
Educate patients and families about advance directives and decision-making
Assist with preparation of advance care documents
Help families plan for funeral arrangements and end-of-life wishes
Support decision-making around financial, legal, and healthcare responsibilities
Navigate complex family dynamics during difficult conversations
Coordinate Resources and Referrals
Assess practical and environmental needs of patients and families
Connect families with community resources and support services
Provide information and referral services for financial, legal, and practical assistance
Assist with hospital discharge coordination to home or facility settings
Identify and address barriers to quality care
Collaborate with the Interdisciplinary Team
Participate actively in interdisciplinary group (IDG) meetings
Attend nursing facility care conferences
Communicate significant psychosocial findings to team members and physicians
Help the team understand how psychosocial stresses affect terminal illness symptoms
Contribute to development and revision of individualized care plans
Support team members managing the emotional demands of hospice work
Maintain Clinical Excellence
Complete accurate, timely, and pertinent documentation
Maintain clinical records for all patients referred to social work
Ensure compliance with Conditions of Participation and regulatory requirements
Demonstrate cost-effective care delivery with understanding of hospice reimbursement
Identify and report potential coverage or payment issues