The Pediatric Palliative Care Social Worker provides a professional continuum of services to address the psychosocial needs of patients and families affected by serious and life-limiting illnesses in order to ensure the highest possible quality of care and comfort. The social worker is a member of the Palliative Care Consultation Service and completes psychosocial assessments, provides counseling, participates in treatment planning, and provides resource referrals. Further, the social worker partners with unit social workers and case managers regarding transitional care and discharge planning needs. The social worker is an identified expert in palliative care issues and provides consultation and educational programming to OHSU staff and the community. As part of the position, the social worker will actively participate in telemedicine efforts to increase the competency of rural care providers in the area of palliative care. The Medical Social Worker is expected to practice in accordance with performance standards, core values and with a commitment to service excellence. May provide social work services to patients in Adult, Pediatric services and/or in the Emergency Department and on some rare occasions, complete home visits.

• Conducts culturally competent psychosocial evaluations of patients and families to address their adjustment to illness and care planning needs.

• Provides grief and loss counseling and education to patients and families.

• Provides advocacy to patients and families in a manner that supports a family centered care philosophy in which there are four guiding principles: 1. Dignity and respect (listening to and honoring parental beliefs and choices) 2. Information sharing (the right to receive timely, complete and accurate information in order to participate effectively in care and decision-making) 3. Participation (encouraging and supporting parental participation in care) and 4. Collaboration (incuding patients and families in the evaluation and development of hospital policies and program, as well as in the delivery of patient care

• Assess patient and family support needs and make appropriate referrals.
• Provides crisis intervention and supportive counseling in response to the mental health needs of patients and families. Counseling may include short-term therapeutic interventions, development and facilitation of support groups, and family systems work.
• Other Duties as Assigned

• A Master’s Social Work (MSW) required. 

   

• Certificate of Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) required for employees who practice clinical social work.

• Able to implement assessments, short term counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy.
• Excellent task prioritization, time management, and communication skills.

• Health care experience preferred.
• 1 year of medical social work experience
• 1 year of palliative care and/or hospice experience.

Posted: 12/17/2025 3:06pm

 

Requires prioritization.

Frequent interruptions in an evironment of frequent change and fluctuations.

For inpatient units accepts accountability and responsibility.

May be exposed to body fluids, tissue, possible radiation exposure, and infectious processes.

Subject to computer work for several hours, as needed.

Able to utilize office equipment within work area.

 

Benefits:

• Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
  
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
  
• Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
  
• Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
  
• 8 paid holidays per year
  
• Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
  
• Additional Programs including: Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.