Hospice Social Worker; BSW

Description

As an integral member of Healthkeeperz’s Hospice team, the Hospice Social Worker (BSW) plays a vital role in supporting patients and families during end-of-life care. Grounded in compassion and professional social work practice, this position provides direct psychosocial support, care coordination, and bereavement services in collaboration with the interdisciplinary group (IDG). Consistent with Healthkeeperz’s mission to care for all people for the glory of God, the Hospice Social Worker helps patients and families navigate emotional, social, and practical challenges while promoting dignity, comfort, and quality of life throughout the hospice journey.

Provide psychosocial assessments, counseling, and supportive services to hospice patients and their families. Assist individuals in coping with terminal illness, related conditions, and the dying process through empathetic communication, crisis intervention, and ongoing emotional support.

Actively participate as a core member of the hospice interdisciplinary group (IDG), contributing to care planning, coordination, and evaluation to ensure psychosocial needs are fully integrated into the patient’s plan of care.

Serve as a liaison between patients, families, and community resources. Assist with accessing financial assistance, social services, advance directives, and other supportive programs as needed.

Provide bereavement education and support to families and individuals involved in the patient’s plan of care. Participate in the implementation of bereavement plans and maintain appropriate follow-up with bereaved families for up to one year following the patient’s death, in accordance with hospice standards.

Educate patients and families on rights, available hospice services, and community resources. Advocate for patient and family psychosocial needs to promote informed decision-making and continuity of care.

Maintain accurate, timely documentation and comply with hospice Conditions of Participation, organizational policies, and ethical social work standards. Participate in performance improvement initiatives, in-service education, and outreach activities as requested.

Collaborate with hospice leadership and team members in supporting volunteer services and bereavement activities, as appropriate to the role, without supervisory responsibility.

Patients and families receive compassionate, timely, and effective psychosocial support that enhances quality of life and emotional well-being during end-of-life care.

Psychosocial perspectives are consistently represented in interdisciplinary planning, resulting in coordinated, holistic hospice care.

Social work services are delivered in accordance with regulatory requirements, hospice standards, and Healthkeeperz’s commitment to excellence.

Families experience continued care and connection following a patient’s death, contributing to healthy grieving and long-term support outcomes.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited CSWE school
• Knowledge of the processes of death, dying, and bereavement preferred
• One year of experience in home health or hospice preferred
• Ability to function effectively as a core member of an interdisciplinary team
• Strong communication and active listening skills
• Ability to speak effectively with individuals, families, and small groups
• Commitment to high-quality customer service and compassionate care
• Working knowledge of common computer applications (Word, Excel, Windows, etc.)
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license and current automobile insurance

Sitting for various lengths of time while operating a computer with frequent stretching, talking, hearing, bending, and reaching. Regular driving, including extended periods of time, is required.