Social Worker MSW Hospice

Gentiva; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k match

PTO

Short/Long Term Disability

HSA contribution

Mileage Reimbursement

Cell Phone Reimbursement

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Gentiva Heartland Hospice in Ames, IA is seeking a dedicated Hospice Social Worker (MSW) to support patients and families facing serious illness and end-of-life care. You will assess, plan, counsel, and connect families with resources within an interdisciplinary team, maintaining compassionate, culturally sensitive care.

The role emphasizes empathetic support, ethical practice, and education on hospice services, advance care planning, and grief.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
• Current licensure as required by the state of employment.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Social Worker in a healthcare or hospice setting.
• Knowledge of the psychosocial dynamics of illness, grief, loss, and end-of-life care.
• Ability to provide empathetic support and maintain boundaries in emotionally intense situations.
• Strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and respect for diverse family systems.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the psychosocial support expert on the interdisciplinary care team.
• Provide assessments and care planning based on the emotional, psychological, environmental, and cultural needs of patients and families.
• Deliver counseling, crisis intervention, and practical resource support aligned with each patient’s individualized plan of care.
• Work closely with patients, families, physicians, nurses, chaplains, and other care team members to support the emotional and social well-being of the patient-family unit.
• Educate families on hospice services, advance care planning, grief, and coping strategies.
• Assist with long-term planning, community referrals, and resource navigation when needed.
• Monitor and document psychosocial changes in the patient or family situation and recommend plan of care updates as appropriate.
• Uphold ethical standards and professional judgment in end-of-life care.

Skills

MSW licensure knowledge of psychosical

Education

MSW CSWE-accredited program

Job description

Overview

Support Families. Guide Care. Shape End-of-Life Experiences.

If you’re driven by compassion and committed to guiding others through serious illness and loss, we invite you to join our team as a Hospice Social Worker (MSW).

We believe that holistic care includes emotional, social, and spiritual support. As a key member of the interdisciplinary team, you’ll help ensure patients and families receive the guidance and resources they need to navigate the hospice journey with dignity and peace of mind.

As a Hospice Social Worker (MSW), You Will:

• Serve as the psychosocial support expert on the interdisciplinary care team
• Provide assessments and care planning based on the emotional, psychological, environmental, and cultural needs of patients and families
• Deliver counseling, crisis intervention, and practical resource support aligned with each patient’s individualized plan of care
• Work closely with patients, families, physicians, nurses, chaplains, and other care team members to support the emotional and social well-being of the patient-family unit
• Educate families on hospice services, advance care planning, grief, and coping strategies
• Assist with long-term planning, community referrals, and resource navigation when needed
• Monitor and document psychosocial changes in the patient or family situation and recommend plan of care updates as appropriate
• Uphold ethical standards and professional judgment in end-of-life care

Compensation may vary within the salary range provided based on several factors including but not limited to a candidate’s location, experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications and department equity. Gentiva provides associates with a comprehensive benefits and total rewards package, of which base pay is just one piece.

Salary Range – $66,610 - 83,265

Full Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Wellness Program and Resources
• 401k match
• PTO
• FMLA, ADA and other federal and state required leaves
• Short/Long Term Disability
• HSA Contribution
• Mileage or Fleet Car Program
• Cell Phone Reimbursement (for eligible roles)
• Short Term Incentive (for eligible roles)
• Tuition Reimbursement

About You

Qualifications – What You’ll Bring:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program
• Current licensure as required by the state of employment
• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Social Worker in a healthcare or hospice setting
• Knowledge of the psychosocial dynamics of illness, grief, loss, and end-of-life care
• Ability to provide empathetic support and maintain boundaries in emotionally intense situations
• Strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and respect for diverse family systems

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required):

• 3 to 5 years of experience as a Social Worker in hospice or healthcare
• Experience supporting terminally ill patients and their families
• Advanced grief counseling or palliative care training
• Bilingual skills

We Offer

Benefits for All Hospice Associates (Full-Time & Per Diem):

• Competitive Pay
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• National & Local Recognition Programs
• Teammate Assistance Fund

Additional Full-Time Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Mileage Reimbursement or Fleet Vehicle Program
• Generous Paid Time Off + 7 Paid Holidays
• Wellness Programs (Telemedicine, Diabetes Management, Joint & Spine Concierge Care)
• Education Support & Tuition Assistance
• Free Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• Company-paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits (Pet, Critical Illness, Accident, LTC)

Ready to Join a Team That Cares?

Legalese

• This is a safety-sensitive position
• Employee must meet minimum requirements to be eligible for benefits
• Where applicable, employee must meet state specific requirements
• We are proud to be an EEO employer
• We maintain a drug-free workplace

Location

Heartland Hospice

Our Company

At Heartland Hospice, part of Gentiva, it is our privilege to offer compassionate care in the comfort of wherever our patients call home. We are a national leader in hospice care, palliative care, home health care, and advanced illness management, with nearly 600 locations and thousands of dedicated clinicians across 38 states.

Our place is by the side of those who need us – from helping people recover from illness, injury, or surgery in the comfort of their homes to guiding patients and their families through the physical, emotional, and spiritual effects of a serious illness or terminal diagnosis.

Our nationwide reach is powered by a family of trusted brands that include:

• Hospice care:Gentiva Hospice, Emerald Coast Hospice Care, Heartland Hospice, Hospice Plus, New Century Hospice, Regency SouthernCare, SouthernCare Hospice Services, SouthernCare New Beacon
• Palliative care:Empatia Palliative Care, Emerald Coast Palliative Care
• Home health care:Heartland Home Health
• Advanced illness management:Illumia Health

With corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, and providers delivering care across the U.S., we are proud to offer rewarding careers in a collaborative environment where inspiring achievements are recognized – and kindness is celebrated.