Social Worker MSW

Gentiva Hospice•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The Hospice Social Worker (MSW) is a key member of the interdisciplinary care team, providing psychosocial support to patients and families navigating serious illness, hospice care, grief, and loss. The role supports holistic care by addressing emotional, social, psychological, environmental, and cultural needs, helping patients and families navigate the hospice journey with dignity and peace of mind. The Social Worker assesses patient and family needs, develops care plans, provides counseling and crisis intervention, connects families with practical resources, and coordinates with patients, families, physicians, nurses, chaplains, and other care team members. The position also educates families about hospice services, advance care planning, grief, and coping strategies; assists with long-term planning and community referrals; monitors and documents psychosocial changes; and recommends care plan updates when appropriate. The role requires ethical standards and professional judgment in end-of-life care. This is a safety-sensitive position. Employment and benefits eligibility may depend on meeting minimum and applicable state-specific requirements.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
Current licensure as required by the state of employment.
At least 1 year of experience as a Social Worker in a healthcare or hospice setting.
Knowledge of the psychosocial dynamics of illness, grief, loss, and end-of-life care.
Ability to provide empathetic support and maintain boundaries in emotionally intense situations.
Strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and respect for diverse family systems.

Nice To Haves

3 to 5 years of experience as a Social Worker in hospice or healthcare.
Experience supporting terminally ill patients and their families.
Advanced grief counseling or palliative care training.
Bilingual skills.

Responsibilities

Serve as the psychosocial support expert on the interdisciplinary care team.
Assess and plan care according to the emotional, psychological, environmental, and cultural needs of patients and families.
Provide counseling, crisis intervention, and practical resource support aligned with each patient’s individualized plan of care.
Work with patients, families, physicians, nurses, chaplains, and other care team members to support the emotional and social well-being of the patient-family unit.
Educate families about hospice services, advance care planning, grief, and coping strategies.
Assist with long-term planning, community referrals, and resource navigation.
Monitor and document psychosocial changes in patient or family situations and recommend care plan updates as appropriate.
Uphold ethical standards and professional judgment in end-of-life care.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Wellness programs and resources.
401(k) with company match.
Paid time off (PTO).
FMLA, ADA, and other federal and state-required leaves.
Short-term and long-term disability.
Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution.
Mileage reimbursement or fleet car program.
Cell phone reimbursement for eligible roles.
Short-term incentive for eligible roles.
Tuition reimbursement and education support.
Career advancement opportunities.
National and local recognition programs.
Teammate Assistance Fund.
Seven paid holidays.
Free continuing education units (CEUs).
Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
Voluntary benefits, including pet, critical illness, accident, and long-term care coverage.