Hospice career hub · role

Becoming a hospice social worker — the complete role guide

The hospice social worker is a required member of the Interdisciplinary Group (per 42 CFR §418.56) and one of the roles most defining of hospice care. Hospice social workers hold space for family systems in crisis, navigate advance care planning, coordinate community resources, and shape the psychosocial arc of every patient’s hospice course.

By Goodwin Hospice Academy Editorial Team·Published February 16, 2026

A day in the life

A typical day: 3–5 patient/family visits, each 60–90 minutes. Visits include psychosocial assessments, advance-care-planning conversations, benefits and resource navigation (Medicaid, VA, community respite, funeral planning), family-system-level coaching for role strain and anticipatory grief, and IDG-note documentation. Between visits, the SW returns family phone calls, coordinates with bereavement counselors, and participates in weekly IDG meetings.

Education & licensing

Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
State clinical social work license — often LCSW (licensed clinical) or LSW (licensed) depending on state.
CPR certification per agency policy.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Certifications

CHP-SW — Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker

The HPCC hospice social work credential. Eligible after 2 years post-MSW hospice/palliative practice.

APHSW-C — Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker Certified

The Social Work Hospice & Palliative Care Network advanced credential.

Salary reference

Confirm current hospice social worker compensation on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. LCSW-level hospice roles typically fall between general SW and behavioral-health specialist compensation.

We never publish specific compensation numbers here to avoid drift. Follow the BLS link in Sources below for current, verified data.

Entry pathway

01Complete an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program with a healthcare / palliative-care concentration if possible.
02Obtain state LSW/LCSW license.
03Pursue 1–2 years in medical social work or home health.
04Apply for hospice social worker roles with agencies that support MSW licensure supervision hours if you are not yet LCSW.
05After 2 years, plan for CHP-SW or APHSW-C certification.

FAQ

Is a masters degree required?

For most hospice social worker roles, yes — CoPs require the social worker to have a master’s degree from a school of social work accredited by CSWE (or a bachelor’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited program, working under an MSW-supervised structure).

Can I use my LCSW hours toward hospice supervision?

Yes — many state boards accept hospice hours toward LCSW clinical supervision. Confirm your specific state’s requirements.

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What is IDG?

Hospice RN

Hospice Chaplain

Sources

Educational content only. Confirm current licensure, certification, and compensation data with the linked primary sources.