Palliative Care Inpatient Social Worker (MSW) - PRN Day Shift (74523)

Hamilton Health Care System • Dalton, GA

50d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is an important component of our newly created inpatient palliative care program at Hamilton Medical Center. This associate will provide support and consultation as ordered by our Palliative Healthcare Providers within the hospital setting to patients and/or families. JOB SUMMARY The Medical Social Worker provides psychosocial support to patients and families receiving inpatient palliative care services. This role assists in complex care planning, goal-of-care discussions, emotional support, and coordination of community resources to help manage serious illness and end-of-life needs. The MSW functions as an integral member of the interdisciplinary palliative care team, collaborating with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, chaplains, and case management to support patient-centered, compassionate care.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in social work required.
• Current Georgia License as a MSW, LMSW, or LCSW required.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in medical, hospice, or palliative care preferred; prior hospital or acute care setting experience strongly desired.
• Strong communication and counseling skills.
• Ability to navigate sensitive discussions around goals of care and end-of-life decision making.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and post-acute care options.
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach to patient care.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant certification in Palliative Care preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for patients referred to the inpatient palliative care team.
• Provide counseling, emotional support, and guidance to patients and families facing complex medical and ethical decisions.
• Facilitate family meetings and assist with advance care planning, including completion of advance directives and identification of healthcare proxies.
• Support coordination of discharge planning and transitions of care in collaboration with case management and community partners (home health, hospice, skilled nursing, etc.).
• Advocate for patient and family preferences in care planning discussions and ensure alignment with their goals and values.
• Document timely and accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR) per hospital and regulatory standards.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute to the development of individualized care plans.
• Provide grief and bereavement support when appropriate.
• Serve as a resource for hospital staff regarding palliative care principles and psychosocial support services.

What This Job Offers

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