Clinical Social Worker - Palliative Care

This is a part-time, (three 8 hour shifts/week) position at our Palliative Care Clinics, Mercy Hillcrest, La Jolla Radiation Oncology and Encinitas.  Preferred workdays are Tues., Wed., & Fri.- with some flexibility.

Join the Scripps Health team to work with dedicated caregivers and deliver patient-centered care, while building a rewarding career with one of the nation's most respected healthcare organizations. 

Why join Scripps Health?

AWARD-WINNING WORKPLACE:

At Scripps Health, your ambition is empowered and your abilities are appreciated:

• Nearly a quarter of our employees have been with Scripps Health for over 10 years.
• Scripps is a Great Place to Work Certified company for 2025.
• Scripps Health has been consistently ranked as a top employer for women, millennials, diversity, and as an overall workplace by various national publications.
• Beckers Healthcare ranked Scripps Health on its 2024 list of 150 top places to work in health care.
• We have transitional and professional development programs to create a learning environment that enables you to thrive in your specific field as well as in your overall career.
• Our specialties have been nationally recognized for quality in areas such as cardiovascular care, oncology, orthopedics, geriatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and gastroenterology.

We are seeking a compassionate, motivated Clinical Social Worker to join our Palliative Care Team at our 4 clinics and support patients with life-limiting illnesses, Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team (MD, NP, RN, SW), to deliver evidence-based, strengths-based interventions that address mental health, grief, and biopsychosocial needs—aimed at preventing and managing suffering while enhancing quality of life.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Conduct patient-centered psychosocial assessments and document symptoms, goals, and care plans in the EMR.
• Provide evidence-based interventions, including grief and crisis counseling, with cultural and spiritual sensitivity.
• Connect patients and families with community resources and assist with care transitions, including hospice and end-of-life planning.
• Educate patients, families, providers, and the community about palliative care and healthcare navigation within Scripps Health and the local system.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary palliative care team during patient visits.
• Facilitate advance care planning (AHCD/POLST) and support goals-of-care discussions.
• Mentor new social work staff, complete mandated reporting, and maintain community partnerships.

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Required Experience/Specialized Skills:

·        An ability to speak another language is desirable.

·        Must be able to display good working relationships with patients, families, medical and nursing personnel, and all others employed at the hospital.

·        Working knowledge of the laws, regulations, policies and appeal procedures as relative to the Federal, State and other reimbursement programs.

·        American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card

·        Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited university or college (MSW) or Master’s degree in Family Therapy (MFT)

Preferred Experience/Certification/Registration: 

·        Acute Care Hospital experience preferred.

·        Licensed by the State of California Behavioral Science Examiners Board as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

·        Palliative Care experience

·        Hospice experience