Position Summary:
The Hospice Master of Social Work (MSW) provides compassionate, patient-centered psychosocial support to individuals and families facing terminal illness. The MSW helps patients navigate emotional, social, financial, and practical needs while ensuring care aligns with the patient’s values and goals. This role is essential to the interdisciplinary team and complies with CMS Conditions of Participation and New Mexico hospice licensing requirements.
Key Responsibilities: Patient & Family Support
Conduct initial and ongoing psychosocial assessments
Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans
Provide counseling related to grief, anxiety, family conflict, coping, and adjustment
Assist with advance care planning, including health care decisions and goals-of-care discussions
Provide crisis intervention when needed
Interdisciplinary Team Participation
Attend and participate in IDG (interdisciplinary group) meetings
Collaborate with RN Case Managers, Chaplains, Providers, CNAs, and leadership to ensure coordinated, holistic care
Communicate significant changes in patient or family status
Education, Advocacy & Resource Coordination
Educate patients and families about hospice philosophy and benefits
Connect families with community resources, benefits, financial assistance, and caregiving support
Assist with safety planning, housing concerns, funeral planning, and caregiver burden
Advocate for vulnerable patients, including reporting concerns per New Mexico Adult Protective Services guidelines
Documentation & Compliance
Complete timely, accurate clinical documentation in alignment with state and federal regulations
Maintain confidentiality and HIPAA compliance
Participate in QAPI initiatives and agency performance improvement projects
Bereavement & End-of-Life Care
Support families with anticipatory grief
Provide bereavement risk assessments
Collaborate with the bereavement program for follow-up services
Qualifications: Required
Master’s Degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Mexico
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Ability to work independently in a home-based field environment
Strong communication, counseling, and crisis management skills
Preferred
Hospice or palliative care experience
Knowledge of Medicare Hospice Benefit and interdisciplinary care models
Bilingual highly valued in New Mexico markets
Experience with EMR documentation