PEDIATRIC HOSPICE SOCIAL WORKER/PEDIATRIC PROGRAM LIAISON

The Pediatric Hospice Social Worker provides specialized psychosocial support to pediatric hospice patients and their families while also supporting the growth and expansion of the agency's pediatric hospice program.  In addition to direct clinical services, this role serves as a liaison to community partners and referral sources, strengthening relationships with healthcare systems, schools, and community agencies to increase awareness, education, and access to pediatric hospice services.

This position requires strong pediatric social work expertise, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for advocacy and program development in pediatric end-of-life and supportive care.  This is a full time, 40-hr per week, Monday - Friday position.  Essential duties and responsibilities:

Psychosocial Care:  Providing comprehensive psychosocial assessments for pediatric hospice patients and their families, addressing emotional, social, cultural, developmental, and practical needs; offering counseling, emotional support, and crisis intervention to patients, siblings, and caregivers throughout the course of illness and end-of-life; assisting families with advance care planning, goals -of-care discussions, and legacy-building activities as appropriate; providing grief, loss, and anticipatory bereavement support and collaborating with bereavement services for ongoing follow-up; participating as a corer member of the interdisciplinary hospice team, contributing psychosocial insight to individualized plans of care.

Pediatric Program Development & Expansion: Collaborating with leadership to support implementation and expansion of pediatric hospice and palliative services; identifying psychosocial needs, barriers, and service gaps impacting pediatric patients and families; assisting in the development of pediatric-specific resources, educational materials, and policies; participating in quality improvement initiatives related to pediatric hospice care and family support services.

Community Liaison & Referral Development:  Serving as a liaison to healthcare systems, pediatric practices, schools, early intervention programs, and community organizations; building and maintaining relationships with referral sources including hospital social workers, case managers, pediatric specialists, and community providers; providing education and outreach on pediatric hospice eligibility, services, and psychosocial support offerings; representing the pediatric hospice program at community events, in-services, and professional meetings; collaborating with marketing, philanthropy, and leadership teams to support awareness and referral development efforts.

Documentation & Compliance:  Maintaining timely, accurate clinical documentation in accordance with hospice regulations, agency policy, and payer requirements; ensuring compliance with CMS Hospice Conditions of Participation, state regulations, and accreditation standards; participating in interdisciplinary team meetings, care conferences, and quality review activities.

Required

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program
• Current licensure or eligibility for licensure in the state of CT (LMSW, LCSW, or equivalent)
• Minimum of 2 years of healthcare social work experience, and at least 1 year experience working with pediatric population.
• Valid driver's license with reliable transportation and clean driving record with proof of auto insurance
• Ability to work independently in home, school, and community settings

Preferred

• Experience in pediatric hospice, palliative care, oncology, NICU/PICU, or complex chronic illness
• Experience with community outreach, program development, or referral relationship management
• Training in grief counseling, trauma-informed care, or pediatric bereavement
• Bilingual skills (if applicable to community needs)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong pediatric psychosocial assessment and counseling skills
• Excellent communication, education, and relationship-building abilities
• Comfort engaging with healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders
• Cultural humility and family-centered practice approach
• Ability to balance clinical care with outreach and program development responsibilities
• Emotional resilience and professional boundaries in end-of-life care