Hospice MSW

Lakeview Hospice; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakeview Hospice in Riverside, CA seeks a Hospice Medical Social Worker (MSW) to provide emotional and psychosocial support, ensuring care plans reflect patients' goals and values within the interdisciplinary team. You will advocate for dignity and coordinate resources across the care continuum.

Responsibilities include psychosocial assessments, individualized care planning, counseling, education on resources, and bereavement support, with adherence to Hospice regulations and policies.

Qualifications

• MSW degree from an accredited school of social work.
• Current state licensure as LCSW or ASW as required by California law.
• Minimum 1 year healthcare setting experience; hospice/palliative care preferred.
• Strong knowledge of psychosocial issues in terminal illness, death, and dying.
• Excellent communication, counseling, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and with an interdisciplinary team.
• Valid California driver's license and insurance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments on admission and as needed.
• Develop and implement individualized care plans with the IDG.
• Provide counseling, emotional support, and crisis intervention.
• Educate on community resources and coordinate referrals.
• Participate in IDG meetings and integrate psychosocial goals with medical plans.
• Advocate for dignity, comfort, and patient/family preferences.
• Assist with advance directives and end-of-life legal matters.
• Maintain compliant documentation per hospice and Medicare rules.
• Support bereavement services and grief counseling as appropriate.
• Adhere to agency policies and state/federal regulations.

Skills

Communication

Counseling

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

MSW degree

Job description

Position Summary

The Hospice Medical Social Worker (MSW) provides emotional, psychosocial, and resource support to patients and families facing terminal illness. Working as an integral member of the interdisciplinary hospice team, the MSW helps ensure that each patient's care plan reflects their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs while honoring their goals and values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments of patients and families upon admission and as needed throughout the hospice episode.
• Develop and implement individualized care plans addressing emotional, social, and practical needs in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team (IDG).
• Provide counseling, emotional support, and crisis intervention to patients and families coping with end-of-life issues, grief, and loss.
• Educate patients and caregivers on available community resources, financial assistance, and support services; assist with referrals and coordination.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute to the plan of care, ensuring psychosocial goals are integrated with medical and nursing interventions.
• Advocate for patients and families to ensure dignity, comfort, and respect are maintained throughout care.
• Assist with advance directives, durable power of attorney, and other end-of-life legal and ethical matters as requested by the patient or family.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in accordance with hospice policies and Medicare regulations.
• Support bereavement services and participate in grief counseling or follow-up as appropriate.
• Adhere to all agency policies, professional standards, and state and federal hospice regulations.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited school of social work.
• Current state licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) as required by California law.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a healthcare setting; hospice or palliative care experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of psychosocial issues related to terminal illness, death, and dying.
• Excellent communication, counseling, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Valid California driver's license, automobile insurance, and reliable transportation.