Hospice Medical Social Worker, MSW

VitalCaring Group•Chandler, AZ

3h•Onsite

About The Position

VitalCaring is seeking a Master’s Social Worker (MSW) to provide field-based hospice care focused on patients and families. The social worker offers emotional, psychosocial, and practical support to people navigating terminal illness and end-of-life care, helping patients and loved ones cope, plan, connect with resources, and feel supported throughout the hospice journey. The role is part of an interdisciplinary hospice team and calls for compassion, respect for individual needs and beliefs, and a commitment to comfort, dignity, and quality of life. The position assesses psychosocial needs, provides counseling and crisis support, assists with end-of-life planning and practical needs, and connects patients and families with community resources. The social worker collaborates on individualized plans of care, participates in interdisciplinary group meetings, communicates relevant needs to the care team, maintains clinical documentation, and supports quality improvement and compliance with professional and regulatory standards. The field-based role offers autonomy and flexibility.

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.
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 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 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.