Social Worker - Hospice

VITAS Healthcare • Lathrop, CA

13d

About The Position

The hospice social worker provides emotional and logistical support to patients and their loved ones during end-of-life care. The role helps patients organize matters such as finances and funeral arrangements in accordance with their wishes, and supports families as they navigate grief. The social worker works with clinical teammates to develop comprehensive care plans, provides counseling and—when appropriately credentialed—psychotherapy, and connects patients and families with community resources.

Most work takes place where hospice patients live, including private residences and assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. Approximately once a week, the social worker visits the office to meet with the interdisciplinary team, including nurses, physicians, chaplains, and aides. VITAS describes its commitment as delivering compassionate, personalized care with heartfelt empathy and honoring each patient's wishes.

Requirements

• Master of Social Work degree from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• At least one year of social work experience in a healthcare setting.
• Valid licensure and/or certification as required by the state.
• Reliable transportation.
• State-specific licensure or supervision requirements: Connecticut—Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); District of Columbia—Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW); Delaware—Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Georgia—MSW must be supervised by an LCSW until obtaining LMSW; Illinois, New Jersey, and Ohio—Licensed Social Worker (LSW); Texas—Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); Wisconsin—Social Worker Certificate.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of social work experience with end-of-life patients and their families.

Responsibilities

• Perform psychosocial assessments of patients and families and work with clinical teammates to create a comprehensive plan of care for each patient.
• Provide individual and family supportive counseling.
• Deliver psychotherapy when appropriately credentialed.
• Proactively provide bereavement care to patients' families and loved ones after a patient's passing.
• Refer patients and family members to community resources as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation.
• Support patients in organizing affairs such as finances and funeral arrangements in accordance with their wishes.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Pre-tax healthcare and dependent care FSA/HSA options
• 401(k) plan with investment options and company match
• Cancer and/or critical illness benefit
• Tuition reimbursement up to $4,000 per year
• Employee Assistance Program offering confidential, no-cost counseling for legal, financial, and personal challenges
• Legal insurance
• 24/7 roadside assistance
• Paid time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time