Social Worker

Social Worker At Palo Alto County Health System, we believe compassionate care addresses the whole person — emotional, social, spiritual, and physical. Our Hospice & Long-Term Care Social Workers are essential members of the interdisciplinary care team, supporting patients and families as they navigate serious illness, long-term care needs, and end-of-life transitions with dignity, understanding, and respect. In this role, you'll serve patients receiving hospice and long-term care services across a variety of settings, including private homes, our inpatient and long term care unit. You'll collaborate closely with nurses, physicians, caregivers, and community partners to ensure each patient's psychosocial needs are addressed and their voice remains central to care planning. Position Overview The Hospice & Long-Term Care Social Worker provides comprehensive psychosocial assessment, counseling, education, advocacy, and resource coordination for patients and families. This role emphasizes quality of life, resident rights, family support, advance care planning, and smooth transitions across levels of care. You will support patients in achieving their highest practicable level of emotional, mental, and psychosocial well-being while helping families manage the complex challenges associated with chronic illness, facility placement, caregiving, and bereavement. Key Responsibilities Psychosocial Assessment & Care Planning Complete comprehensive psychosocial assessments within five days of hospice or long-term care admission, addressing family dynamics, coping ability, cultural considerations, financial concerns, and caregiving capacity Contribute to individualized plans of care in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, ensuring psychosocial needs are integrated alongside medical goals Counseling, Advocacy & Emotional Support Provide counseling and emotional support to patients and families coping with chronic illness, end-of-life issues, grief, and adjustment to long-term care environments Advocate for patient rights, dignity, autonomy, and self-determination in accordance with ethical and regulatory standards Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration Actively participate in weekly interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings, contributing insight into family systems, social factors, and patient preferences Record IDT meeting minutes and ensure psychosocial interventions are accurately reflected in the clinical record Documentation & Regulatory Compliance Complete progress notes within one day of visits or phone contacts Maintain accurate, timely documentation and support compliance with hospice and long-term care regulatory requirements Long-Term Care & Discharge Support Assist patients and families with adjustment to long-term care placement, transitions between care settings, and discharge planning when appropriate Support advance care planning discussions, including goals of care and end-of-life preferences Resource Coordination & Community Outreach Connect patients and families with appropriate community, financial, caregiver, and support resources Maintain awareness of available services to promote continuity of care and quality of life Program & Service Support Participate in hospice education efforts and quality improvement initiatives Assist with hospice memorial services, tree lighting ceremonies, volunteer services, and trainings as requested Qualifications & Requirements Education Master of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program OR Bachelor's degree in Social Work OR Bachelor's degree in a related human services field (such as psychology, sociology, or gerontology) with appropriate supervision, meeting healthcare and long-term care requirements Experience Minimum of one (1) year of social work experience in a healthcare setting required Hospice, long-term care, or skilled nursing experience preferred Skills & Abilities Strong interpersonal, assessment, counseling, and advocacy skills Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with an interdisciplinary team Knowledge of psychosocial care standards, resident rights, and care coordination Comfort using electronic documentation and basic computer systems Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities Additional Requirements Valid driver's license and ability to travel for work-related duties Flexibility to work variable hours based on patient and family needs Why Join PACHS? PACHS is proud to invest in professionals who support patients and families during some of life's most meaningful moments. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your total well-being. Benefits at PACHS Health & Wellness Two medical plan options (PPO and HDHP) with no-cost preventive care Employer contributions to your HSA when enrolled in the HDHP Dental coverage with 100% preventive care Vision insurance through VSP Discounted membership at the Arthur & Audrey Smith Wellness Center Financial Security Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) Employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance Optional voluntary life insurance for employees and dependents Employer-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Voluntary Critical Illness and Accident coverage Time Off & Lifestyle PTO begins accruing on your first day PTO cash-out option up to four times per year Holiday Club payroll savings option Support & Resources Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential counseling, legal and financial consultations, coaching, and more About Palo Alto County Health System Palo Alto County Health System is the healthcare hub of Northwest Iowa, delivering compassionate, patient-centered care across the continuum — from hospital and clinic services to hospice and community-based care. Guided by respect, teamwork, and personalized service, PACHS fosters a culture where patients and employees alike feel valued, supported, and genuinely cared for. Social Worker 3.1 3.1 out of 5 stars 3201 1st Street, Emmetsburg, IA 50536 Full-time

PALO ALTO COUNTY HEALTH SYSTEM 15

reviews Full-time Social Worker At Palo Alto County Health System, we believe compassionate care addresses the whole person — emotional, social, spiritual, and physical. Our Hospice & Long-Term Care Social Workers are essential members of the interdisciplinary care team, supporting patients and families as they navigate serious illness, long-term care needs, and end-of-life transitions with dignity, understanding, and respect. In this role, you'll serve patients receiving hospice and long-term care services across a variety of settings, including private homes, our inpatient and long term care unit. You'll collaborate closely with nurses, physicians, caregivers, and community partners to ensure each patient's psychosocial needs are addressed and their voice remains central to care planning. Position Overview The Hospice & Long-Term Care Social Worker provides comprehensive psychosocial assessment, counseling, education, advocacy, and resource coordination for patients and families. This role emphasizes quality of life, resident rights, family support, advance care planning, and smooth transitions across levels of care. You will support patients in achieving their highest practicable level of emotional, mental, and psychosocial well-being while helping families manage the complex challenges associated with chronic illness, facility placement, caregiving, and bereavement. Key Responsibilities Psychosocial Assessment & Care Planning Complete comprehensive psychosocial assessments within five days of hospice or long-term care admission, addressing family dynamics, coping ability, cultural considerations, financial concerns, and caregiving capacity Contribute to individualized plans of care in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, ensuring psychosocial needs are integrated alongside medical goals Counseling, Advocacy & Emotional Support Provide counseling and emotional support to patients and families coping with chronic illness, end-of-life issues, grief, and adjustment to long-term care environments Advocate for patient rights, dignity, autonomy, and self-determination in accordance with ethical and regulatory standards Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration Actively participate in weekly interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings, contributing insight into family systems, social factors, and patient preferences Record IDT meeting minutes and ensure psychosocial interventions are accurately reflected in the clinical record Documentation & Regulatory Compliance Complete progress notes within one day of visits or phone contacts Maintain accurate, timely documentation and support compliance with hospice and long-term care regulatory requirements Long-Term Care & Discharge Support Assist patients and families with adjustment to long-term care placement, transitions between care settings, and discharge planning when appropriate Support advance care planning discussions, including goals of care and end-of-life preferences Resource Coordination & Community Outreach Connect patients and families with appropriate community, financial, caregiver, and support resources Maintain awareness of available services to promote continuity of care and quality of life Program & Service Support Participate in hospice education efforts and quality improvement initiatives Assist with hospice memorial services, tree lighting ceremonies, volunteer services, and trainings as requested Qualifications & Requirements Education Master of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program OR Bachelor's degree in Social Work OR Bachelor's degree in a related human services field (such as psychology, sociology, or gerontology) with appropriate supervision, meeting healthcare and long-term care requirements Experience Minimum of one (1) year of social work experience in a healthcare setting required Hospice, long-term care, or skilled nursing experience preferred Skills & Abilities Strong interpersonal, assessment, counseling, and advocacy skills Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with an interdisciplinary team Knowledge of psychosocial care standards, resident rights, and care coordination Comfort using electronic documentation and basic computer systems Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities Additional Requirements Valid driver's license and ability to travel for work-related duties Flexibility to work variable hours based on patient and family needs Why Join PACHS? PACHS is proud to invest in professionals who support patients and families during some of life's most meaningful moments. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your total well-being. Benefits at PACHS Health & Wellness Two medical plan options (PPO and HDHP) with no-cost preventive care Employer contributions to your HSA when enrolled in the HDHP Dental coverage with 100% preventive care Vision insurance through VSP Discounted membership at the Arthur & Audrey Smith Wellness Center Financial Security Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) Employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance Optional voluntary life insurance for employees and dependents Employer-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Voluntary Critical Illness and Accident coverage Time Off & Lifestyle PTO begins accruing on your first day PTO cash-out option up to four times per year Holiday Club payroll savings option Support & Resources Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential counseling, legal and financial consultations, coaching, and more About Palo Alto County Health System Palo Alto County Health System is the healthcare hub of Northwest Iowa, delivering compassionate, patient-centered care across the continuum — from hospital and clinic services to hospice and community-based care. Guided by respect, teamwork, and personalized service, PACHS fosters a culture where patients and employees alike feel valued, supported, and genuinely cared for.