Social Worker - Hospice

VITAS Healthcare • Lakeland, FL

1d

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 make arrangements reflecting their wishes, including matters related to finances and funeral planning, and supports loved ones through grief. The social worker collaborates with clinical teammates to create comprehensive plans of care, provides counseling and—when appropriately credentialed—psychotherapy, and offers bereavement care after a patient’s passing. The role also connects patients and families with community resources and maintains accurate, timely documentation.

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 meets in the office with the interdisciplinary team, which includes RNs, physicians, chaplains, nurses, and aides.

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 collaborate with clinical teammates to create comprehensive plans of care.
• 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.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Pre-tax healthcare and dependent care FSA/HSA options.
• 401(k) plan with numerous investment options and a company match.
• Cancer and/or critical illness benefit.
• Tuition reimbursement of 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