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What does a Hospice Social Worker do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A hospice social worker is a professional who helps people who are terminally ill and their families cope with the psychological and social aspects of the illness. Hospice social workers provide counseling, support, and practical assistance to patients and their families. They also work with the hospice staff to ensure that the patient's needs are being met.

Hospice Social Worker job duties include:

  • Providing counseling and support to patients and families
  • Assessing patient and family needs
  • Developing and implementing care plans
  • Coordinating with other members of the hospice care team
  • Providing crisis intervention
  • Referring patients and families to community resources
  • Advocacy on behalf of patients and families
  • Bereavement counseling
  • Documentation and record keeping
  • Supervision of social work interns

Hospice Social Worker Job Requirements

A Hospice Social Worker must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work. In addition, they must be licensed in the state in which they practice. Hospice Social Workers must have a minimum of two years post-graduate experience working with terminally ill patients and their families.

Hospice Social Worker Skills

  • Listening
  • Empathy
  • Patience
  • Active listening
  • Communication
  • Organizational skills
  • Time management skills
  • Writing skills
  • Research skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Critical thinking skills

Related: Top Hospice Social Worker Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Hospice Social Worker

There are many different types of social workers, but one of the most important and rewarding fields is hospice social work. Hospice social workers help patients and families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. They provide emotional support and practical assistance during a difficult time. If you have a passion for helping others and want to make a difference in the lives of those facing a terminal illness, then a career in hospice social work may be for you.

To become a hospice social worker, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited university. Many hospices also require their social workers to have a master’s degree in social work or a related field. Once you have your degree, you will need to obtain a state license to practice social work. After you are licensed, you can apply for jobs at hospices or other healthcare organizations.

Working as a hospice social worker can be both challenging and rewarding. It is important to be able to deal with death and dying on a daily basis. You must also be able to provide support to families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. But if you have the compassion and strength to help others during their darkest hours, then a career in hospice social work may be the perfect fit for you.

Related: Hospice Social Worker Resume Example

Related: Hospice Social Worker Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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