Hospice Social Worker

Job Description

Position Title: Hospice Social Worker (Part-Time / Per Diem Coverage)
Department: Clinical Services
Reports To: Director of Nursing
Dotted Line: Executive Director
Status: Part-Time – Approximately 8 Hours per Week, with additional hours to cover Full-Time Social Worker during absences or vacation.

Position Summary

The Hospice Social Worker provides psychosocial support and counseling services to hospice patients and their families in accordance with the hospice philosophy of care and regulatory requirements. The Social Worker performs psychosocial assessments, participates in the interdisciplinary group (IDG), assists with care planning, and provides emotional, social, and resource support to patients and caregivers.

This role supports the hospice interdisciplinary team and ensures compliance with Medicare Conditions of Participation and CHAP Hospice Standards.

Qualifications

The Social Worker must meet the qualifications outlined in 42 CFR §418.64.

Minimum requirements include:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of New Jersey (preferred to meet hospice regulatory requirements)

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

• At least one year of experience in healthcare, preferably hospice, palliative care, or home health

• Knowledge of hospice philosophy and end-of-life care

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

• Ability to travel to patient homes, facilities, and other care settings

Key ResponsibilitiesPsychosocial Assessment

• Conduct initial and ongoing psychosocial assessments of hospice patients and families as part of the comprehensive assessment process

• Identify emotional, social, financial, and environmental factors that may impact the patient’s plan of care

• Assess coping mechanisms, caregiver support systems, and psychosocial needs

Interdisciplinary Team Participation

• Participate in the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) meetings and contribute to the development and revision of the patient’s Plan of Care

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, aides, chaplains, and other team members to ensure holistic patient care

• Provide recommendations regarding psychosocial interventions and community resources

Counseling and Support

• Provide emotional support, counseling, and guidance to patients and family members related to illness, death, and bereavement

• Assist families in understanding and coping with end-of-life issues

• Facilitate communication between patients, families, and the care team

Resource Coordination

• Connect patients and families with community resources, financial assistance programs, and support services

• Assist with advanced directives, healthcare decision-making, and care planning when appropriate

• Support discharge planning when applicable

Documentation and Compliance

• Document all patient interactions and assessments in the hospice electronic medical record in accordance with regulatory and agency standards

• Maintain compliance with CMS hospice regulations, CHAP standards, and agency policies

• Participate in quality improvement and compliance activities as requested

Coverage Responsibilities

• Provide coverage for the full-time hospice social worker during vacation, illness, or leave

• Ensure continuity of psychosocial services during staff absences

Work Environment

• Services are provided in patient homes, assisted living facilities, nursing facilities, and other community settings

• Must be comfortable working with patients and families facing serious illness and end-of-life issues

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel to patient locations

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds occasionally

• Ability to use computer systems for documentation

Schedule

• Approximately 4-6 hours per week

• Additional hours as needed to cover the full-time Social Worker during vacation or leave

Equal Opportunity Employer

LifeSource Hospice is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals and families facing serious illness.