Social Worker Palliative Care
Resume:
Michelle Ross
Medical Social Worker, MSW, LSW, MHCI
Contact
Address
Philadelphia, PA 19151
Phone
************@*****.***
Skills
Psychosocial assessment
Family support
Self-care strategies
End-of-life care
Professional boundaries
Grief counseling
Multidisciplinary collaboration
Motivational interviewing
Healthcare navigation
Advance care planning
I am a hospice professional with deep experience in palliative care, skilled in providing compassionate support and crisis intervention. Strong focus on team collaboration, achieving results, and adapting to changing needs. Expertise in counseling, patient advocacy, and care coordination, with reliable and flexible approach. Known for empathy, effective communication, and ability to build trust with patients and families.
Educated and dedicated to providing assistance to individuals and families in need. Proficient in assessing individual circumstances, identifying resources and developing plans of action to deliver support. Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Work history
2025-07 - Current
Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker (PRN)
Bristol Hospice, Blue Bell, PA
Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Emotional and Psychological Support
Provided counseling to patients and families coping with terminal illness, stress, and anticipatory grief. Supported families in navigating emotional and relational challenges during end-of-life care. Assisted interdisciplinary team in understanding psychosocial impacts on symptom expression and care needs
Psychosocial Assessments
Conducted comprehensive evaluations of psychosocial status, family dynamics, caregiver capacity, and environmental safety. Assessed cultural factors influencing care, including communication norms, family roles, and traditions. Identified risks for suicide, neglect, or abuse and developed appropriate intervention plans
Care Coordination
Served as liaison between patients, families, and community agencies to ensure continuity of care. Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to develop and update individualized care plan. Maintained collaborative relationships with internal staff and external resources to support patient needs
Advance Care Planning
Educated patients and families on advance directives and assisted with completion. Supported planning for funeral arrangements, financial, legal, and health care decisions. Maintained accurate clinical documentation for all referred cases
Crisis Intervention
Delivered immediate support during psychosocial crises, including emotional distress and unsafe living conditions. Provided emergency counseling and coordinated alternative care plans when necessary
Education and Advocacy
Informed patients, families, and community partners about available resources and support services. Promoted culturally responsive care through staff education and interdisciplinary collaboration. Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes
2024-03 - 2025-01
PALLIATIVE CARE SOCIAL WORKER, LSW, MSW
PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITAL
Emotional and Psychological Support: Provided counseling and psychotherapy to patients, families, and caregivers to help them cope with the emotional challenges of serious illness, supported families during family meetings, provide support to the team during times of patient distress
Psychosocial Assessments: Conducted assessments to identify the needs and strengths of patients and their families, and developed care plans accordingly provided supportive visits
Care Coordination: Collaborated with healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to patient care, including coordinating services and discharge planning and bereavement providing resources
Advance Care Planning: Facilitated discussions about end-of-life care preferences and helped patients and families make informed decisions
Crisis Intervention: Provided support during crises and helped families navigate complex healthcare systems
Education and Advocacy: Educated patients and families about palliative care options, and advocating for their needs within the healthcare system
2021-05 - 2023-03
SICKLE CELL SOCIAL WORKER, LSW, MSW
PENN MEDICINE HEMATOLOGY
Emotional and Psychological Support: Provided counseling and psychotherapy to help patients and families cope with the emotional challenges of sickle cell disease
Crisis Intervention: Offered support during crises, such as severe pain episodes or hospitalizations, and helping families navigate the healthcare system
Care Coordination: Collaborated with healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care, including coordinating appointments, treatments, and follow-up care
Education and Advocacy: Educated patients and families about the disease, treatment options, and available resources, and advocating for their needs within the healthcare system
Community Outreach: Connected patients and families with community resources, support groups, and financial assistance programs
2020-10 - 2021-02
SOCIAL WORKER, MSW
COMPASSUS HOME HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE
Comprehensive Assessments: Conducted assessments to identify the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families
Individualized Care Plans: Developed and implemented care plans tailored to the unique needs of each patient and family
Counseling and Emotional Support: Provided counseling and emotional support to patients and families to help them cope with the challenges of serious illness and end-of-life care
Coordination of Care: Collaborated with the interdisciplinary team to ensure holistic care and coordinated services and resources
Advocacy: Advocated for the rights and wishes of patients and families within the agency
Grief and Bereavement Support: Provided support to families during the grieving process and offering bereavement services
Education
2025-05
MHCI: Health Care Innovations
PENN MEDICINE SCHOOL OF HEALTH ETHICS & POLICY - University Of Penn Medicine
This Master in Health Care Innovation Degree (MHCI) is a two-year degree program that is led by world renowned faculty. The teaching draws upon their experience in improving health care through behavioral economics insights, equity initiatives, practice process improvement, and policy reform, among other area. My specialty focused on the advantages and benefits of and early hospice referral
2020-05
MSW2,LSW
PENN MEDICINE SCHOOL OF POLICY & PRACTICE
The degree program is one of the most well-respected programs that prepared me to lead social change and provide services to individuals families the communities and organizations in the local national arena
2017-05
BSW
TEMPLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
An entry level degree program in social work where they thought about the importance for a social worker commitment to eliminating social, political and economic injustice and advancing the quality for all.
CERTIFICATIONS
Licensed Social Worker, PA 2021, Pending NJ,2025
Child Welfare Education Baccalaureate (CWEB), 2017
Certified Hospice Nursing Assistant, 1999-2017
Navy Veteran – Honorable Discharge Petty officer Desert Storm Desert Shield
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