Social Worker Program Coordinator (Hospice and Palliative Care)

Quick Facts

• Role: Social Worker Program Coordinator (Hospice and Palliative Care)
• Focus: Hospice, palliative care, and bereavement services for Veterans and families
• Schedule: Monday–Friday

Description

The Hospice and Palliative Care Program Coordinator leads a fast-paced, high-volume hospice, palliative care, and bereavement program serving Veterans and families across VA and community settings. The role provides advanced clinical care, consultation, education, and case management with a strong focus on palliative care. Responsibilities include overseeing operations, mentoring staff, and developing program goals while monitoring metrics and reporting to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with Veterans and/or their families
• Complete thorough psychosocial assessments across the end-of-life continuum
• Assess and manage complex, ethically challenging case dynamics, including suicide risk when appropriate
• Provide services in outpatient and inpatient settings (including Community Living Center and medicine units), and serve as a liaison to community settings
• Serve as the primary social worker on the Inpatient Hospice and Palliative Care Consultation Team
• Lead the development, creation, and implementation of bereavement service initiatives
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team to develop and implement treatment goals and interventions
• Liaise between Veterans/loved ones and VA/community resources; facilitate timely community placements
• Provide psychotherapeutic modalities, educational classes, supportive groups, and bereavement services
• Consult and educate Veterans and families on community resources, VA benefits, specialty programs, and advance directives
• Consult with staff on psychosocial needs and how they impact care planning and treatment compliance
• Maintain knowledge of Veterans benefits/services and referral processes for community and governmental programs
• Serve as a consultant to less experienced social workers and staff in complex cases

Administrative / Program Oversight

• Support VA/VHA mission, policies, and procedures
• Collaborate with the Hospice and Palliative Care Medical Director on projects and initiatives
• Advance and oversee end-of-life care: palliative care, hospice services, and bereavement services
• Monitor data and outcome measures related to end-of-life care
• Develop and implement action plans, educational initiatives, and strategic plans for Hospice and Palliative Care programming
• Participate in committees, work groups, and task forces as assigned
• Develop partnerships and collaborations across the continuum of care
• Maintain ongoing communication with the supervisor and recommend solutions
• Pursue continuing education and ensure it aligns with the assignment
• Assist in orientation and learning of less experienced social workers

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• Annual paid time off: 37–50 days (13–26 annual leave, 13 sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays)
• Paid parental leave (up to 12 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Child care subsidy (after 60 days for eligible employees)
• Retirement: traditional federal pension and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions
• Insurance: federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care
• Comprehensive federal benefits package (eligibility depends on role specifics)