Hospice Medical Social Worker, MSW

VitalCaring Group•Covington, LA

About The Position

VitalCaring is hiring a field-based Master’s Social Worker (MSW) to provide emotional, psychosocial, and practical support to hospice patients and their families as they navigate terminal illness and end-of-life care. The social worker is an important member of the interdisciplinary hospice team and helps patients and families cope, plan, access resources, and feel supported throughout the hospice journey. The role offers autonomy and flexibility while managing a patient-focused field schedule.

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 for 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, including coping, family dynamics, and the home environment.
Provide counseling, emotional support, guidance, and crisis interventions to patients and caregivers.
Identify psychosocial risks and help patients and families address emotional and practical end-of-life challenges.
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.
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 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 to 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.