Hospice Social Worker - 1.0 FTE

We’re seeking a dedicated Hospice Medical Social Worker (MSW) to join our interdisciplinary hospice team, including physicians, nurses, therapists, chaplains, and volunteers. You’ll complete comprehensive bio‑psychosocial assessments, support care planning, and serve as a trusted advocate for patients and families throughout their hospice journey.

This role is ideal for someone who brings empathy, strong clinical judgment, and a deep commitment to supporting patients at end of life.

Job Summary

The Hospice Social Worker participates with the interdisciplinary team of primary care physicians, medical director, nurses, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, chaplain and volunteer staff.

The Hospice Social Worker also completes thorough assessments of the patient’s bio-psychosocial situation and provides a vital role in developing a safe and appropriate plan of care. The Hospice Social Worker serves as an advocate for the patient and family throughout their entire episodes of care.

Hospice Social Workers assist patients applying for disability and/or other financial services while they are under the hospice plan of care. Hospice Social Workers focus on goal setting to establish compliance with treatment plans and overcome barriers prohibiting the appropriate level of treatment.

They help patients learn how to cope with chronic illnesses, new diagnoses, and terminal illness. The Hospice Social Worker assists with providing support, education, and resources for patients and families undergoing chronic or terminal illness.

They may also assist with goal directed counseling, group intervention, conferences with patients, financial needs assessments, and discharge planning.

The Hospice Social Worker serves as a community resource liaison providing information and advocacy on the patient's behalf with appropriate local, state, and federal agencies and programs.

Job Duties

Support patients and families throughout the hospice episode of care, including navigating the healthcare system and accessing needed resources.

Provide emotional support, education, and counseling for patients and families coping with chronic or terminal illness and end‑of‑life needs.

Conduct comprehensive bio‑psychosocial assessments and ongoing reassessments to guide individualized care planning.

Participate in daily interdisciplinary huddles and IDG meetings, sharing psychosocial, emotional, spiritual, and financial insights that impact care.

Help patients and families understand medical information, treatment plans, and available care options.

Assist with advance directives, POLST forms, medical power of attorney, and guardianship processes.

Connect patients and families with community resources such as transportation, meals, respite care, and long‑term care placement.

Support patients in accessing insurance, disability benefits, and financial assistance programs (VA, SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance).

Provide bereavement support and link families to grief counseling and other supportive services.

Coordinate with hospice chaplains for faith‑based support and with medical facilities for DME or travel‑related needs.

Uphold hospice philosophy and maintain professional development in social work practice.

Knowledge/Experience

Has demonstrated ability to deliver competent, appropriate care and coordination of a medical treatment plan that is ordered and approved by the primary care provider and/or medical director. At least one-year social work experience in a healthcare setting required. Knowledge of acute, chronic disease, and terminal illness preferred. Experience in community-based programs, home health and/or hospice preferred.

Education

Minimum of a Master’s degree in social work from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Must be licensed or working on LSW or LCSW. Must be licensed to work in MT. Must have a driver’s license