Compassus·West Plains, Missouri
The Hospice Social Worker provides preventive, educational, evaluative, and treatment services to address the psychosocial needs of patients and their families, aiming to maintain their maximum level of coping by utilizing community resources and the interdisciplinary team. Key duties include explaining hospice services, participating in care plan development, providing counseling, and assisting with identifying needs for other team interventions.
The Hospice Social Worker is responsible for modeling the Compassus values of Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Innovation and for promoting the Compassus philosophy, using the 6 Pillars of Success as the foundation. S/he is responsible for upholding the Code of Ethical Conduct and for promoting positive working relationships within the company, among all departments, and all external stakeholders. The Hospice Social Worker provides preventive, educational, and evaluative and treatment services to meet the psychosocial needs of patients and their families, to help them improve, restore, and maintain their maximum level of coping. S/he utilizes community resources and the interdisciplinary team (IDT) to aid in this process.
Position Specific Responsibilities
Explains hospice services and Medicare benefits to patients and families; obtains Informed Consent and Election of Benefits documents as requested.
Submits appropriate documentation and paperwork to facilities at the completion of patient visits; documentation is completed and submitted timely according to company policy.
Participates as a member of the IDT, including development and implementation of the plan of care.
Provides psycho-social support and counseling services to the patient and family; supports the involvement of external counseling resources commensurate with patient/family needs and scope of practice.
Assists in identifying the need for intervention of other IDT members.
Effectively communicates patient and family needs to IDT.
Collaborates with IDT to coordinate psycho-social care and support for the patient and family to ensure appropriateness, continuity, and quality of care.
Maintains updated, comprehensive care plans which reflect current problems, goals and interventions for patients.
Maintains respect for the family's environment and belief systems, and remains nondiscriminatory regarding age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, and other personal matters.
Completes initial and ongoing psycho-social assessments for patients; identifies and addresses concerns/issues related to financial means, insurance, living arrangements/placement for long-term care, caregiver stressors, pre-bereavement and anticipatory grief, and community resource needs.
Facilitates placement in long-term care as warranted and monitors adjustment.
Participates in care planning meetings at long-term care facilities.
Supports and facilitates advance planning including living will/POA documents, funeral arrangements, memorial services, and body/organ donation.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and/or Experience
Required - Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or other field related to social work with one (1) year of social work experience in a healthcare setting required; and licensure if required by state rules. Will require supervisory oversight by MSW for hospice patient care planning and counseling needs.
Preferred - Master's degree in Social Work with one (1) year of social work experience in a healthcare setting highly preferred; and licensure if required by state rules.
One (1) year of social work experience in a healthcare setting with Bachelors Degree
The demands of this role necessitate a team member to effectively perform essential functions. Adaptations can be made to accommodate team members with disabilities. Regular standing, walking, and manual dexterity are fundamental, along with the ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds. Visual acuity requirements include close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. In a healthcare setting, exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and conditions typical to the field is expected. Routine use of standard medical equipment and tools associated with clinical care is essential. This description provides a general overview and may vary by role and department, capturing the nuanced demands and conditions inherent to clinical positions in our organization.
At Compassus, including all Compassus affiliates, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Pillars of Success. We are committed to creating a fair work environment where our team members feel welcomed, highly valued, and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
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Market context
Hospice social workers in Missouri are often needed in settings that support patients and families through end-of-life care, where coordination with clinical teams and community resources is central. These roles can be competitive because employers typically look for a relevant degree, healthcare social work experience, and Missouri licensure, while also valuing strong communication and comfort with sensitive conversations. Review the licensure details and compare the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here, which save time by condensing the original job description into a quick candidate-friendly overview.