Social Worker

Employment Type: [Full-Time]

Reports To: Clinical Director or Hospice Administrator

About Us:

At Allegiant Hospice, we are committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals and families navigating the final stages of life. Our hospice team focuses on comfort, dignity, and emotional and spiritual support.

Position Summary:

The Hospice Social Worker provides psychosocial support to terminally ill patients and their families, ensuring care aligns with Wisconsin state regulations. This role also encompasses coordinating hospice volunteers and overseeing the agency’s bereavement program.

Social Work Duties:

• 
  Psychosocial Assessments: Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients and families to address emotional, social, and financial needs.
  
• Counseling Services: Provide counseling and crisis intervention, assisting with coping strategies related to terminal illness.
  
• Care Planning: Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans.
  
• Resource Coordination: Assist families in accessing community resources and navigating healthcare systems.
  
• Advance Care Planning: Facilitate discussions on advance directives and end-of-life decisions.
  

Volunteer Coordination:

• 
  Program Management: Develop and manage the hospice volunteer program in compliance with Wisconsin Administrative Code DHS 131.27.
• Recruitment and Training: Recruit, screen, and train volunteers, ensuring they meet state requirements.
  
• Supervision: Assign volunteers to appropriate roles and provide ongoing supervision and support.
  
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of volunteer activities and hours, ensuring compliance with state regulations. (NHPCO)
  

Bereavement Support:

• 
  Program Oversight: Implement and oversee the bereavement program as mandated by DHS 131.31(6).
  
• Family Support: Provide bereavement counseling and support to families for up to 13 months post-loss, as required by Wisconsin regulations.
  
• Support Groups: Organize and facilitate grief support groups and memorial services.
  
• Resource Provision: Distribute educational materials on grief and coping strategies.

Qualifications:

• 
  Education: Master’s degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited program.
  
• Licensure: Current Wisconsin licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or equivalent. See DSPS for State of Wisconsin.
  
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years in hospice or palliative care settings.
  
• Skills: Strong communication, organizational, and leadership abilities.
  
• Knowledge: Familiarity with Wisconsin hospice regulations, including DHS 131 and related statutes of Wisconsin Legislative Documents Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
  

Working Conditions:

• Environment: Work in patient homes, healthcare facilities, and office settings.
• Travel: Regular travel within the service area; valid driver’s license required.
• Hours: Flexibility to work evenings or weekends as needed.