Social Worker (LMSW)- Hospice

VITAS Healthcare

Peoria (IL)

On-site

USD 41,328 - 55,104

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

VITAS Healthcare in Peoria, IL seeks a hospice social worker to provide emotional and logistical support to patients and families during end‑of‑life care, helping with finances, funeral arrangements, and preferences.

You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and travel as needed, applying grief counseling and bereavement support to comfort families.

Applicants must have an MSW from a CSWE‑accredited program and at least one year of health‑care social work experience.

Qualifications

Master of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program or grandfathered under Medicare Hospice conditions.
At least one year of social work experience in a health‑care setting.
Experience with terminally ill patients and their families preferred.
Experience providing counseling and support to patients and families.
Empathy and compassion in dealing with seriously ill patients and families.
Equivalent licensure may be considered per State Regulations where allowable.

Responsibilities

Provide emotional and logistical support to patients and families.
Assist with end-of-life planning, finances, funeral arrangements, and related tasks.
Offer counseling and crisis intervention services; provide bereavement support and grief counseling.
Coordinate with interdisciplinary team (RNs, physicians, chaplains) and travel as required.

Skills

Listening skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Team collaboration

Counseling

Crisis intervention

Bereavement support

Education

Master of Social Work

Job description

About VITAS Healthcare

We are VITAS Healthcare, the nation’s leading end-of-life care provider since 1978. We kickstart careers in caring, promote from within, and provide a nationally recognized best‑in‑class employee experience. Supported by industry-leading experts and a growing network of programs in 15+ states, VITAS empowers team members to grow toward their goals while transforming patients’ lives. Our priority is to care for our patients, each other, and the future.

Salary

Salary Range: $30–$40 per hour.

Overview of the Role

As a hospice social worker, you will provide emotional and logistical support to patients and their loved ones during an important and vulnerable time. You will ensure VITAS patients reach the end of life with their affairs in order, honoring their wishes for finances, funeral arrangements, and more. Patients and families will trust you to help them navigate the grieving process.

Whether you’re granting an end‑of‑life wish or simply listening to a patient’s stories at their bedside, your actions will make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.

Where You’ll Work

Each day is different. You will spend most of your time caring for hospice patients wherever they live—private residence or assisted living/skilled nursing facility. About once a week you’ll come to the office to meet with the interdisciplinary team: RNs, physicians, chaplains, and nurses who provide 360‑degree support.

What’s Expected From You

VITAS social workers honor the trust of our patients and center others in their work. In addition to having your social work license, reliable transportation, and at least one year of social work experience in a health‑care setting, you’ll demonstrate the traits that make the VITAS Difference: Commitment, Compassion, and a Can‑do Attitude. You will keep patient welfare at the center of everything you do, giving your best each day in service of our core commitment: extending comfort and dignity to all people at the end of their life’s journey.

Job Requirements

Ability to travel per job requirements.
Thorough knowledge of community resources or desire/ability to obtain this knowledge.
Knowledge of key psychosocial issues prevalent with terminally ill patients and their families, and effective psychosocial interventions.
Capacity to relate and work well with others as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
Excellent listening and communication skills.
Ability to advocate effectively for patients and families within the core IDG and community agencies.
Provide emotional and psychological support to patients and families.
Offer counseling and crisis intervention services.
Provide bereavement support and grief counseling.
Educate patients and families on the emotional and psychological response to illness progression.

Qualifications

Master of Social Work required from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, unless grandfathered in per the 2008 Medicare Hospice Condition of Participation.
At least one year of social work experience in a health‑care setting.
Preferred: experience as a social worker with the terminally ill and their families.
Experience providing counseling and support to patients and families.
Empathy and compassion in dealing with seriously ill patients and their families.
Equivalent experience of licensure may be considered where allowable by State Regulations (e.g., a BSW in FL or WI). License and/or certification if required by State.

Minimum State Requirements For The Following States