Social Worker

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role:

The Social Worker in our Health Care Services team plays a critical role in providing compassionate support and guidance to patients and their families, particularly within hospice and healthcare settings. This position focuses on assessing the psychosocial needs of individuals facing serious illness, facilitating crisis intervention, and coordinating comprehensive case management to ensure holistic care. The Social Worker collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement care plans that respect the dignity and preferences of patients while addressing mental health and social service needs. By advocating for patients and connecting them with appropriate community resources, the Social Worker helps to improve quality of life and ease the emotional burden associated with end-of-life care. Ultimately, this role is essential in delivering empathetic, patient-centered support that aligns with hospice philosophy and promotes mental and emotional well-being.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or related human services field.
• Licensed or license-eligible as a Social Worker in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Demonstrated experience in hospice or healthcare settings with knowledge of hospice philosophy.
• Proficiency in crisis intervention and case management techniques.
• Strong understanding of mental health counseling principles and social service systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) with clinical licensure (LCSW or equivalent).
• Experience working specifically within hospice or palliative care environments.
• Training or certification in psychotherapy or advanced counseling methods.
• Familiarity with healthcare interdisciplinary team collaboration and electronic health record systems.
• Bilingual abilities or experience working with diverse cultural populations.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough psychosocial assessments of patients and their families to identify needs, strengths, and challenges within hospice and healthcare environments.
• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support to patients and families experiencing distress related to terminal illness or end-of-life issues.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized care plans in collaboration with healthcare professionals, ensuring integration of social services and mental health counseling.
• Coordinate access to community resources, social services, and support networks to address patient and family needs beyond the clinical setting.
• Maintain detailed documentation of patient interactions, care plans, and progress notes in compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Skills:

The required skills enable the Social Worker to effectively assess and address the complex emotional and social needs of patients and families in hospice and healthcare settings. Understanding hospice philosophy guides the delivery of compassionate, patient-centered care that respects end-of-life values. Crisis intervention skills are essential for managing acute emotional distress and providing timely support. Case management expertise allows the Social Worker to coordinate resources and services efficiently, ensuring continuity of care. Additionally, mental health counseling and psychotherapy knowledge support therapeutic interactions that promote psychological well-being and resilience during challenging times.