VITAS is a national hospice organization serving the terminally ill.  Jacksonville’s program serves adults 18 and older, but will consider those younger than 18.  The role of the LCSW consists of being mediator to the interdisciplinary team involved in care.  They must communicate and construct a safe plan of care with the entire team.  Each patient is assessed for needs and more specifically, social workers assist patients and families with advance directives and end of life plans.  Hospice social workers are very aware of community resources and often work with community and government agencies for placement and specialized services.  LCSWs also provide counseling and bereavement services.  The population served by hospice is very diverse.  Patients served are from various races, cultures, ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic classes, and have unique family dynamics and medical histories.

Special Information:

MSW 1st ; Full time and part time available. Student will need reliable transportation.  VITAS program 20 covers 5 counties in the area including Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns.  MSW interns are reimbursed mileage if more than one visit is made within a day.  VITAS will not reimburse to/from internships.  Students liability insurance will be covered under their school’s Certificate of Insurance.  A Copy of the school’s Certificate of Insurance will be provided to VITAS legal department/contractor.  Hospice is a 24/7 service.  Therefore, there are many opportunities to intern evenings and weekends.