Hospice Medical Social Worker

As a member of the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG), the MSW assesses the psychosocial impact of the terminal illness on the individual and their family/caregiver system. Intervenes to support, guide and prepare them as they cope with the disease progression, death and grief.  The MSW primarily conducts visits in patients’ homes, facilities, and in the community and coordinates care with family members, caregivers and the IDG.

The Elizabeth Hospice is San Diego’s oldest non-profit hospice of 45 years.  We are growing and looking for talented individuals to join our high performing team and support our mission.  We serve all of San Diego county and south Riverside county with multiple hospice office locations.  

Our Mission:  To enhance the quality of life for those nearing the end of life’s journey and for those who grieve.

Work Schedule:  Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Salary: $70,000-$80,000 annually

Full-Time Salaried Position

Travel required for patient visits.

Occasional travel for educational purposes.

On Call Requirement: 3-4 shifts per month

1. Assessment: use clinical interviewing and behavioral observation and apply knowledge of psychosocial dynamics to develop a biopsychosocial assessment and document within timeframes.
2. Intervention: provide psychosocial interventions based on evidence-based practice and clinical assessment including, but not limited to: crisis intervention, emotional support, case management, supporting coping, managing complex family dynamics, psychoeducation, non-pharmacological interventions to enhance quality of life, anticipatory grief counseling, facilitating goals of care discussions, facilitating family meetings, referrals to community resources, legacy building, facility placements, discharge planning, assisting with advanced directives and funeral planning.
3. Care planning: use therapeutic techniques to develop measurable goals with the patient/family/caregiver that are patient-centered and address the changing needs of the clients.  
4. Re-evaluation: provide on-going assessment of patient/family/caregiver and communicate changes to team, document changes and update plan of care with input from patient/family/caregivers.
5. Death Preparation/Death: provide anticipatory and grief counseling. Educate on signs and symptoms of approaching death and on options for care of the body after death. Identify cultural and spiritual customs/practices related to death and assist with implementing. Support family and caregivers at time of death. 
6. Grief and bereavement: support family/caregivers with grief following death. Assist families with needs that arise after death.
7. Teamwork: participates and collaborates as a member of the IDG to develop comprehensive, patient-centered plans of care. Present a clear and concise analysis of psychosocial assessment and family dynamics at IDG meetings to coordinate care planning across disciplines. Communicates and collaborates effectively with team and across departments.
8. Documentation: documents in a clear, complete, concise and organized manner consistent with charting standards. Maintains timely patient documentation using “point of care” electronic charting.      
9. Professional Development: develop self-awareness and acknowledge signs of counter transference, compassion fatigue, burnout, vicarious trauma and moral distress.  Seeks clinical supervision as needed. Practice self-care. Sets and maintains professional boundaries. 
10. Understands and able to explain the Medicare Hospice benefit to patients, families, caregivers, facility staff and the community.
11. Protects patient confidentiality by promoting professional staff communications.
12. Researches, utilizes, and monitors community resources as needed.
13. Provide on-call and/or weekend Social Work coverage.            
14. Contributes to the development of agency procedure and policy.
15. Participates in training and mentoring new social work staff.
16. Offers in-service presentations to community agencies Prepares teaching materials for use with patients and professional staff related to the care and treatment of hospice patients, families and bereaved clients.
17. Responsible for carrying out the mission, values, and quality commitment of Elizabeth Hospice.
18. Adhering to the E-way standards is a requirement in performing all job duties.

1. Master’s degree in social work, minimum requirement of 1 year of social work experience in a healthcare setting.
2. Current ACSW or LCSW preferred.
3. Current CPR certification.
4. Current negative TB skin test.
5. Must possess excellent written and verbal skills and be English language proficient.
6. Bi-lingual (Spanish) preferred.
7. Clerical skills include ability to answer phones, schedule own appointments, research and interview others.
8. Computer skills related to email, scheduling, and data entry.
9. Current California driver’s license and proof of auto insurance required.
10. Because this is a field position, must be able to drive in various conditions, including but not limited to winding/steep roads, night driving, and rural areas, and be able to enter homes with pets.

We place a high importance on our employees and reward staff in several ways such as:

• Competitive hospice industry compensation
• Benefits package with multiple plan offerings and generous employer contribution
• 401(k) Retirement plan with employer match
• Supportive work culture which encourages work life balance
• Substantial Paid Time Off, paid holidays & floating holiday
• Employee development program managed by in-house education department to support individualized orientation and professional growth needs.
• Tuition Reimbursement program
• Monthly mileage reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program

 "The Elizabeth Hospice is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.”