Medical Social Worker - Part Time (0.5 FTE)

Walla Walla Community Hospice • Walla Walla, WA

16h

About The Position

Are you a Medical Social Worker looking to join a team where your work truly matters? Join us! Walla Walla Community Hospice is seeking an MSW who is a compassionate and skilled Hospice Medical Social Worker to support patients and families navigating one of life’s most challenging transitions. In this role, you will provide emotional support, counseling, resource coordination, and advocacy while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team dedicated to dignity, comfort, and individualized end-of-life care. If you are passionate about whole-person care and believe every patient deserves respect, presence, and thoughtful guidance, we would love to meet you. Purpose The Hospice Social Worker is a core member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and is responsible for providing social work and bereavement services including psychosocial assessments, care planning, resource coordination, and emotional and social support to hospice patients and their families in accordance with the Medicare Hospice Conditions of Participation applicable state laws, and hospice policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)–accredited program.
• One year experience in healthcare; 3+ years preferred.
• WA and OR state licensure and/or registration or certification to allow practice as the social worker member of the IDT: Washington State: LICSW, LASW, Social Worker Associate, or Registered Agency-Affiliated Counselor (RAAC) for applicants with existing RAAC. Must practice within scope of credential and supervision requirements if applicable. Oregon CSWA, LMSW, or LCSW. Must meet OHA and BLSW requirements specific to license/credential type.
• Valid driver’s license and favorable driving record.
• Strong assessment, counseling, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of hospice philosophy, Medicare hospice regulations, and end-of-life care.
• Ability to manage emotionally complex situations with professionalism and compassion.
• Demonstrates cultural humility, ethical practice, and respect for patient autonomy.
• Proficient in clinical documentation and electronic health records
• Practices within the scope of practice permitted by state law and credentialing status.
• Maintains required state credentials, registrations, and continuing education.
• Maintains compliance with HIPAA, confidentiality standards, and hospice policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information related to the company and its employees.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, comprehending, and speaking English as required for business necessity.
• Computer skills proficiency including MS O365 applications.
• Reliable transportation to travel within our 3-county service area daily, and ability to drive in inclement weather.

Nice To Haves

• Hospice or palliative care experience preferred.
• Full Social Worker Licensure in WA and OR (WA: LICSW or LASW. OR: LMSW or LCSW).
• 5+ years healthcare experience with 3+ years in hospice, palliative, or long-term cares setting.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the designated social worker member of the IDT/G as required by Medicare Hospice CoPs.
• Conducts comprehensive psychosocial assessments of hospice patients and families to identify emotional, social, financial, environmental, and support needs.
• Ensure psychosocial assessment findings are incorporated into the comprehensive assessment and reflected in the individualized plan of care.
• Provides counseling, crisis intervention, anticipatory grief support, and emotional support consistent with hospice philosophy and within scope of practice permitted by the individuals credential and under required supervision when applicable.
• Assist patients and families with advance care planning, coping with illness, end-of-life issues, and bereavement preparation.
• Facilitate referrals and coordination for community resources, financial assistance, legal aid, placement, and supportive services.
• Participates in care conferences and family meetings as appropriate.
• Participates in the initial, ongoing, and updated IDT/G reviews in compliance with CMS requirements.
• Collaborates with nursing, medical, spiritual care, and other disciplines to ensure patient-centered care.
• Supports hospice bereavement services as assigned including assessment, individual and group short-term counseling and referral as needed, support offerings within the bereavement program as applicable and within scope of practice.
• Participates in performance improvement activities, staff education, and hospice quality initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Completes timely, accurate, and comprehensive documentation in the clinical record consistent with CMS, state, and hospice requirements.
• Ensures documentation supports psychosocial assessment, plan of care development and updates, IDT participation, and counseling and interventions provided.

Benefits

• Paid holidays (1.0 FTE 6 days and 2 floating holidays; prorated for 0.5 and above)
• PTO (1.0 FTE 20 days; pro-rated for 0.5 FTE and above)
• Paid sick leave per WA/OR state requirements

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level