A master's level social worker in hospice and palliative care provides a professional continuum of services that address the psychosocial needs of patients and families affected by serious and life limiting illness in order to maintain, or improve, their optimal quality of life. Social work activities are focused on the bio-psychosocial components of health and mental health from a strengths-based perspective, and intervention is based on an evolving plan of care that developed in the context of, and contributes to the interdisciplinary team's comprehensive plan of care. To that end, the Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (ACHP-SW) engages in direct service to patients and their families; leadership activities within organizations and communities; education; resource development; advocacy; policy initiatives and caregiver
