Hospice Medical Social Worker, MSW

VitalCaring Group•Houston, TX

17h•Onsite

About The Position

VitalCaring is seeking a Master’s Social Worker (MSW) to provide patient- and family-centered psychosocial support to people receiving hospice care and their loved ones. The field-based role supports patients and families as they navigate terminal illness and end-of-life care, helping them cope, plan, access resources, and maintain comfort and dignity. The social worker is an important member of the interdisciplinary hospice team and provides culturally sensitive, compassionate support throughout the hospice journey. The position involves assessing psychosocial needs, counseling patients and caregivers, identifying risks and providing interventions, assisting with end-of-life planning and practical needs, collaborating on individualized plans of care, and maintaining timely clinical documentation. The role also communicates patient and family needs to the care team and community partners 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 people 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.

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 the emotional and practical challenges of 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 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.
Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other team members to support holistic end-of-life care.
Help the care team understand 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 to the interdisciplinary care team.
Serve as a liaison among patients, families, caregivers, and community agencies.
Participate in quality improvement activities and uphold professional and regulatory standards.