Social Worker - Hospice

VITAS Healthcare • Lakeland, FL

3d • $32 - $36

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 honor their wishes and put their affairs in order, including finances and funeral arrangements, and supports loved ones as they navigate grief. The social worker collaborates with clinical teammates to develop comprehensive plans of care, provides counseling and, when appropriately credentialed, psychotherapy, and connects patients and families with community resources. Accurate, timely documentation is required.

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. The work is grounded in compassionate, personalized care that honors 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: CT—Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); DC—Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW); DE—Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); GA—MSW must be supervised by an LCSW until obtaining LMSW; IL, NJ, and OH—Licensed Social Worker (LSW); TX—Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); WI—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 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 arranging their affairs in accordance with their wishes, including finances and funeral arrangements.

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 generous 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