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 Responsibilities** ------------------------ ### **Psychosocial 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.