What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hospice Social Worker (MSW) position at Heritage Healthcare Services?
Position Summary
The Hospice Master of Social Work (MSW) provides compassionate, patient-centered psychosocial support to individuals and families facing terminal illness. The MSW helps patients navigate emotional, social, financial, and practical needs while ensuring care aligns with the patient’s values and goals. This role is essential to the interdisciplinary team and complies with CMS Conditions of Participation and New Mexico hospice licensing requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Patient & Family Support
- Conduct initial and ongoing psychosocial assessments
- Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans
- Provide counseling related to grief, anxiety, family conflict, coping, and adjustment
- Assist with advance care planning, including health care decisions and goals-of-care discussions
- Provide crisis intervention when needed
Interdisciplinary Team Participation
- Attend and participate in IDG (interdisciplinary group) meetings
- Collaborate with RN Case Managers, Chaplains, Providers, CNAs, and leadership to ensure coordinated, holistic care
- Communicate significant changes in patient or family status
Education, Advocacy & Resource Coordination
- Educate patients and families about hospice philosophy and benefits
- Connect families with community resources, benefits, financial assistance, and caregiving support
- Assist with safety planning, housing concerns, funeral planning, and caregiver burden
- Advocate for vulnerable patients, including reporting concerns per New Mexico Adult Protective Services guidelines
Documentation & Compliance
- Complete timely, accurate clinical documentation in alignment with state and federal regulations
- Maintain confidentiality and HIPAA compliance
- Participate in QAPI initiatives and agency performance improvement projects
Bereavement & End-of-Life Care
- Support families with anticipatory grief
- Provide bereavement risk assessments
- Collaborate with the bereavement program for follow-up services
Qualifications
Required:
- Master’s Degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Mexico
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Ability to work independently in a home-based field environment
- Strong communication, counseling, and crisis management skills
Preferred:
- Hospice or palliative care experience
- Knowledge of Medicare Hospice Benefit and interdisciplinary care models
- Bilingual highly valued in New Mexico markets
- Experience with EMR documentation