Hospice Social Worker and Bereavement Coordinator

This is a dual position.

Social Worker Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Licensed Hospice Social Worker to join our interdisciplinary team and provide comprehensive psychosocial support to patients and families facing end-of-life issues. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in social work, counseling, and palliative care, with a deep understanding of the complexities of grief, loss, and bereavement. The candidate will be open to travel as necessary within the designated area, and any other duties as assigned by leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Comprehensive Psychosocial Assessment:
• Conduct thorough psychosocial assessments of hospice patients and their families within the required timeframe to identify their needs, strengths, and preferences related to the end-of-life journey.
• Assess patients' and families' coping mechanisms, support systems, and resources, and develop individualized care plans to address identified needs.
2. Counseling and Supportive Interventions:
• Provide individual and family counseling to hospice patients and their families, addressing issues such as grief, loss, anticipatory mourning, and end-of-life decision-making.
• Offer supportive interventions, including crisis intervention, stress management, and coping skills training, to help patients and families navigate emotional and practical challenges.

• Completes documentation and paperwork, as required by Hospice policies; following the physician's Plan of Care for Medical Social Services.

• Makes visits as scheduled and participates in on-call rotation as required. 

1. Advance Care Planning and Decision Support:
• Facilitate discussions about advance care planning, including healthcare directives, durable power of attorney for healthcare, and goals of care discussions, to ensure patients' wishes are honored at the end of life.
• Assist patients and families in making informed decisions about treatment options, hospice enrollment, and other end-of-life care preferences, respecting their autonomy and values.
2. Resource Referral and Coordination:
• Connect patients and families with community resources and support services, including financial assistance, home health services, caregiver support groups, and bereavement counseling.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to coordinate referrals and ensure seamless transitions of care between healthcare settings and community resources.
3. Bereavement Support and Follow-up:
• Provide anticipatory grief support to patients and families facing the impending loss of a loved one, including education about the dying process and emotional preparation for bereavement.
• Follow up with bereaved family members and caregivers after the death of a loved one, offering ongoing support, counseling, and referrals as needed to facilitate the grieving process.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program required; Licensure in state of practice required.
• Minimum of one year of experience in social work, counseling, or related in a healthcare field, preferably in hospice or palliative care.

• Possession of current automobile insurance and a valid driver's license required.

• Strong understanding of grief and loss, psychosocial dynamics, and family systems theory, with the ability to provide compassionate and culturally sensitive care to diverse populations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and counseling skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trust with patients and families facing end-of-life issues.
• Knowledge of community resources and support services available to hospice patients and families, with the ability to facilitate referrals and coordinate care effectively.
• Commitment to the principles of hospice and palliative care, with a passion for providing holistic support to individuals and families at the end of life.

Bereavement Coordinator Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced and empathetic Hospice Bereavement Coordinator to join our interdisciplinary team and provide comprehensive bereavement support to families and caregivers following the death of a hospice patient. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in grief counseling, bereavement support, and community outreach, with a deep understanding of the complexities of grief and loss.

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Bereavement Assessment and Support:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of bereaved family members and caregivers to identify their needs, coping mechanisms, and support systems.
• Provide individual and group counseling to support individuals through the grieving process, addressing issues such as shock, anger, guilt, and acceptance.
• Offer education and resources to help bereaved individuals understand the grieving process and develop healthy coping strategies.

1. Support Group Facilitation:

• Facilitate grief support groups, workshops, and educational sessions for bereaved family members and caregivers, providing a safe and supportive environment for sharing experiences and emotions.
• Coordinate scheduling, logistics, and content development for support group meetings, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of participants.

1. Individual Counseling and Follow-up:

• Provide ongoing individual counseling and follow-up support to bereaved family members and caregivers, addressing their unique needs and concerns.
• Offer crisis intervention and additional support as needed during times of heightened grief or emotional distress.

1. Memorial Services and Remembrance Programs:

• Coordinate and facilitate memorial services, remembrance ceremonies, and other commemorative events to honor the lives of hospice patients and provide closure for bereaved family members.
• Work with families to create personalized memorial tributes and rituals that reflect their loved one's life and legacy.

1. Community Outreach and Education:

• Engage with community organizations, religious institutions, and healthcare providers to raise awareness about the grieving process and the importance of bereavement support.
• Provide education and training to hospice staff and volunteers on grief and loss, bereavement support strategies, and effective communication with bereaved individuals.

Qualifications: 

• Minimum of one year of experience in grief counseling, bereavement support, or related in a healthcare field required.
• Possession of current automobile insurance and a valid driver's license required.
• Strong understanding of grief and loss theories, bereavement interventions, and trauma-informed care principles required.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and counseling skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with bereaved individuals and families.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Commitment to the principles of hospice and palliative care, with a passion for providing compassionate support to individuals and families facing loss.