Social Worker, MSW - Hospice - FT

VitalCaring Group; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6 weeks PTO per year

401(k) with Company Match

Employee Referral Program

Identity Theft Protection

Job summary

VitalCaring Group in Lafayette, LA, is seeking a Hospice Social Worker to support patients and families facing terminal illness with emotional support, resource coordination, crisis intervention, and compassionate guidance. You will work with an interdisciplinary team to ensure dignity, comfort and holistic care, and participate in care planning; home visits may be required if driving is feasible.

We offer advanced training, mentorship, and a strong benefits package, including generous paid time

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW).
• One year of social work experience in a hospice setting preferred; strong understanding of hospice philosophy and end‑of‑life issues.
• Ability to work tactfully with patients, families, and the community.
• If performing home visits: must be a licensed driver with an insured, reliable automobile.

Responsibilities

• Assess the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to terminal diagnosis and home environment; communicate findings to RN and IDG.
• Conduct social evaluations including family dynamics, caregiver capacity, communication patterns, and risks such as suicide, neglect, or abuse.
• Provide counseling to patients and families experiencing stress, grief, and coping challenges; offer crisis intervention when needed.
• Educate and assist patients and families in completing advance directives.
• Provide information, guidance, and referrals for practical and environmental needs, including community resources and financial supports.
• Maintain and develop relationships with community agencies to expand resource options.
• Assist patients and families with funeral planning, financial and legal matters, and health care decisions.
• Participate in developing individualized plans of care and attend IDG meetings.
• Maintain accurate clinical and progress notes; act as liaison between patients/families and community agencies.

Skills

Empathy

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Cultural sensitivity

Education

MSW

Job description

Join VitalCaring – Where Your Passion Changes Lives!

Are you looking for a career where compassion meets purpose? At VitalCaring, we’re more than a homehealth and hospice provider—we’re a family that supports, inspires, and uplifts both our patients and ourteam members.

Who We Are

Founded in 2021, VitalCaring has grown into a leading provider of home health and hospice services, with over 100 locations across the country. We are committed to fostering a culture of support, growth, and excellence for our team that is the backbone of how we ensure we deliver exceptional patient care.

Why Choose VitalCaring?

Work That Fits Your Life

Discover the ideal balance of purpose and flexibility. As a full-time salaried clinician, you’ll enjoy the stability of a consistent role with the freedom to manage personal commitments throughout your day. Our field team thrives in an environment that empowers them to make a real impact—while still having the time and space to prioritize what matters most at home. With a generous 6 weeks of paid time off each year, you’ll have the opportunity to recharge, reconnect, and return ready to do your best work.

Make a Meaningful Impact

Help patients and families navigate their healthcare journey withcompassion and dignity.

Thrive in a Supportive Team

Work with a team who genuinely care and invest in your success.

Grow Your Career

Take advantage of advanced training, mentorship, and career developmentopportunities.

Competitive Pay & Benefits

Be rewarded for your dedication and expertise with a compensationpackage that truly reflects your value. Our benefits are thoughtfully designed to support your well-being—offering the flexibility, security, and resources you need to thrive both at work and in life. Wecelebrate success at every level, with meaningful recognition for both individual contributions and teamachievements.

Financial & Legal

• 401(k) with Company Match
• Employee Referral Program
• Prepaid Legal Plans
• Identity Theft Protection

Join VitalCaring Group and experience a company that invests in you every step of the way!

Job Summary

At VitalCaring, our team members transform lives and foster hope through genuine caring. As a Hospice Social Worker, you will support patients and families facing terminal illness by providing emotional support, resource coordination, crisis intervention, and compassionate guidance. Working in alignment with our values—trustworthy, capable, compassionate, proactive, and called—you will help ensure every encounter is meaningful and centered on dignity, comfort, and holistic care.

Essential Functions

Psychosocial Assessment & Support

• Assess the psychosocial status of patients and families/caregivers related to the terminal diagnosis and home environment; communicate findings to the RN and interdisciplinary group.
• Conduct social evaluations, including family dynamics, caregiver capacity, communication patterns, and risks such as suicide, neglect, or abuse.
• Provide counseling to patients and families experiencing stress, grief, and coping challenges; offer crisis intervention when needed.
• Assess and educate the interdisciplinary team on cultural factors influencing care, including communication norms, family dynamics, space, traditions, and taboos.
• Educate and assist patients and families in completing advance directives.

Resource Coordination

• Provide information, guidance, and referrals for practical and environmental needs, including community resources, financial supports, legal considerations, and environmental challenges affecting care.
• Maintain and develop relationships with public and private community agencies to expand resource options.
• Assist patients and families with funeral planning, financial and legal matters, and health care decisions.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Participate in developing individualized plans of care, involving the patient and family in decision‑making.
• Attend interdisciplinary group (IDG) meetings to help the team understand the psychosocial impacts of terminal illness.
• Assist physicians and team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors that influence patient health, comfort, and coping.

Communication & Documentation

• Maintain accurate clinical and progress notes for all patients receiving social work services.
• Serve as a liaison between patients/families and community agencies to ensure seamless support and care coordination.

Additional Responsibilities

• Actively participate in quality assessment and performance improvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Branch Director.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW).
• One year of social work experience in a hospice setting preferred; strong understanding of hospice philosophy and end‑of‑life issues.
• Ability to work tactfully with patients, families, and the community.
• If performing home visits: must be a licensed driver with an insured, reliable automobile.