Social Worker & Bereavement Coordinator - Home Health / Hospice

Job Title: Social Worker & Bereavement Coordinator - Home Health / Hospice

Location: Morristown, TN

Office: University of Tennessee Home Health / Hospice

POSITION SUMMARY

The Home Health Medical Social Worker / Hospice Bereavement Coordinator is responsible for providing medical social work services to home health patients while also coordinating and administering the hospice bereavement program. This blended role supports patients, families, and caregivers through illness, transition, end-of-life care, and the bereavement process. The position works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to ensure high-quality psychosocial support, community resource coordination, grief counseling, and bereavement services.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

Medical Social Work Functions

• Conduct psychosocial assessments of home health patients and identify social, emotional, financial, and environmental factors impacting care.
• Develop and implement individualized social work plans in collaboration with patients, families, caregivers, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Provide counseling and supportive services to patients, families, and caregivers related to illness, adjustment, coping, and community resource needs.
• Coordinate referrals to community resources and assist with access to financial, social, and support services.
• Serve as a liaison between patients, families, community agencies, and healthcare providers.
• Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences and contribute to the development and revision of patient care plans.
• Assist with discharge planning and care transitions.
• Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation in accordance with agency, state, and federal requirements.
• Provide education to patients, families, and caregivers regarding available resources and support services.

Bereavement Program Functions

• Coordinate, implement, and oversee the hospice bereavement program for families and caregivers following the loss of a loved one.
• Conduct bereavement assessments and develop individualized bereavement plans based on identified needs.
• Provide grief support, counseling, education, and referrals to bereaved individuals and families.
• Plan, facilitate, and coordinate bereavement support groups, memorial services, and other bereavement-related events.
• Develop and maintain bereavement educational materials and resources.
• Track and monitor bereavement follow-up activities to ensure compliance with hospice regulations and agency standards.
• Collaborate with hospice team members, volunteers, and community organizations to enhance bereavement services.
• Participate in Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) meetings and present bereavement-related updates and patient/family needs.
• Assist with orientation and training of staff and volunteers related to grief, loss, and bereavement services.
• Prepare reports and maintain documentation related to bereavement services and program outcomes.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain effective communication with physicians, clinical leadership, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Participate in agency quality assurance, performance improvement, and educational programs.
• Maintain compliance with all agency policies, accreditation standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations and urgent patient or family needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by agency leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Master's Degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Current social work licensure as required by state regulations.
• Minimum one (1) year of social work experience in healthcare, home health, hospice, or a related setting; hospice experience preferred.
• Experience or education in grief counseling, bereavement support, or end-of-life care preferred.
• Current CPR certification, if required by state regulations or agency policy.
• Valid driver's license, current automobile insurance, and reliable transportation for work-related travel.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Strong knowledge of psychosocial assessment and intervention techniques.
• Understanding of hospice philosophy, bereavement practices, and home health regulations.
• Ability to provide compassionate support to patients, families, and caregivers experiencing illness, loss, and grief.
• Excellent verbal, written, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with electronic medical records and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently and as an effective member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Experience facilitating support groups and educational programs preferred.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse populations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• May provide guidance and oversight to Social Worker Assistants, bereavement volunteers, and support personnel as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequent use of office equipment including computer, tablet, and telephone.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, reach, bend, communicate effectively, and operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to lift up to twenty (20) pounds.
• Position requires a combination of office-based work and travel to patient homes, facilities, community agencies, support group locations, and company events.
• Work schedule may occasionally require evening, weekend, or holiday assignments to meet patient, family, and program needs

University of Tennessee Medical Center Home Health, an affiliate of The Pennant Group (NASDAQ: PNTG), is the employer for this position as stated in the job posting. The Pennant Group, Inc. is a holding company of independent operating subsidiaries that provide healthcare services through home health, hospice, and home care agencies and senior living communities located throughout the US. Each of these businesses is operated by a separate, independent operating subsidiary that has its own management, employees and assets. More information about The Pennant Group, Inc. is available at