Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay & Senior Options, LLC·Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Social Worker assesses the psychosocial and emotional needs of hospice and home health patients to promote comfort and safety. They provide counseling, crisis intervention, and bereavement support while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans.
Founded in 1982, westminster-Canterbury on chesapeake bay is a not-For-Profit, faith-Based life plan community. Located along the southern shore of chesapeake bay, our scenic, resort-Style campus is home to a vibrant community of residents and staff who share a passion for service, joy, and well-Being.
Our mission? Enriching lives through the power of purpose, belonging, and wellness.
Westminster Canterbury at Home (WCAH) is one of the most well-respected home health and home care agencies in the greater Tidewater Region, including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and Portsmouth. We provide the quality services that people need when they wish to stay confidently and comfortably in their own homes.
As a subsidiary of Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach’s premier beachfront continuing care retirement community, Westminster Canterbury At Home has a particular appreciation for the difference that location can make in the retirement experience. What it really comes down to is where an individual feels most comfortable. For some, that place is home—and we’re more than happy to meet you there. To learn more: https://wcathome.com/ [https://wcathome.com/]
The Social Worker (Home Health & Hospice) plays a vital role in supporting patients and their families throughout the end-of-life journey. This position is responsible for assessing the psychosocial, emotional, and environmental needs of patients and identifying resources and support systems that promote comfort, safety, and coping during terminal illness.
The Social Worker provides counseling, crisis intervention, and bereavement support to patients and their loved ones, helping them navigate the emotional and practical challenges associated with hospice and home health care. They assess factors such as suicide risk, abuse or neglect concerns, and barriers to maintaining a safe home environment, while coordinating appropriate interventions and community resources.
Working collaboratively with physicians and the interdisciplinary care team, the Social Worker helps identify social and mental health stressors that may exacerbate symptoms related to terminal illness and contributes to the development and ongoing revision of each patient's individualized plan of care. This role provides medical social services in accordance with established care plans and offers short-term counseling and emotional support to patients and families as needed.
The Social Worker is expected to embody Westminster-Canterbury's core values of Respect, Passion, and Professionalism in every interaction and to promote a culture of accountability by encouraging others to do the same.
What you'll do in this role
Assist in providing information and preparation of advance directives, funeral planning issues and transfer of responsibilities regarding fiscal, legal and health care decisions. Prepare clinical and progress notes, identify and manage family dynamics and communication patterns. Includes the patient/ family in the plan of care. Identify and utilize appropriate community resources and assess patient/ family ability to access them. Evaluate patient family response to psychosocial interventions
Assess caregiver's ability to function adequately and assess need for counseling related to risk assessment for pathological grief. Assess special needs related to cultural diversity including communication, space, role of family members and special traditions.
Identify the developmental level of the patient/family and obstacles to learning or ability to participate in care of patients. Identify obstacles to compliance and assist in understanding goals of interventions. Identify support systems available to reduce stress and facilitate coping with end-of-life care.
Evaluate for long-term care when appropriate and assess ability to accept change in level of care. Communicate psychosocial information to inpatient facilities when level of care is changed. Assist patient/family in assessing financial resources when appropriate. Identify patient/family needs when discharged or when level of care changes. Evaluate patient/family response to intervention(s) when referred to community agency and satisfaction of the service(s) provided. Assess and coordinate bereavement needs and coordinate.
All other duties as assigned.
Master of Social Work (MSW) from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
A minimum of 2 years’ experience in medical social work, including one year dedicated to hospice or home health services.
Proven background in advance care planning, crisis intervention, and psychosocial advocacy for individuals facing life-limiting conditions.
Ability to maintain a valid state social work license suitable for the required level of clinical practice.
Hold or be prepared to pursue specialty certification in hospice and palliative care social work (e.g., APHSW-C or CHP-SW).
Strong aptitude for interdisciplinary collaboration and navigating community-based resources or long-term care systems.
At-Will Employment Statement Employment with our organization is “at-will,” meaning that either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any reason not prohibited by law.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by applicable laws.
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and at least one year of healthcare social work experience are required. A Master of Social Work (MSW), specialized hospice certification, and a valid driver's license are preferred or required.
Market context
Behavioral-health roles in Virginia commonly draw steady demand as agencies and treatment programs look for clinicians who can support counseling, care coordination, and recovery services. These positions are competitive because a valid CSAC license is required, while a psychology or counseling degree and treatment-industry experience are preferred; benefits often include PTO and health-related coverage. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, and confirm your licensure details before applying.
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