Post-Graduate Fellowship in Palliative Social Work
Where
Northwell Health- Vassar Brother's Medical Center
Poughkeepsie, NY, United States
Salary Range (Annual Salary)
$45,000 +
Description
Northwell Health is pleased to offer a one-year Post-Graduate Fellowship in Palliative Social Work beginning July 1, 2027. Based at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, New York, this full-time fellowship provides advanced clinical training for social workers seeking specialized expertise in palliative and hospice care.
The fellowship is designed for master’s-prepared social workers who wish to develop advanced skills in supporting individuals and families facing serious, life-limiting illnesses. Fellows work as integral members of an interdisciplinary palliative care team that includes physicians, physician fellows, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), social workers, chaplains, and other healthcare professionals.
Fellowship experience
Learning occurs primarily through supervised, direct clinical practice. Fellows gain direct experience delivering comprehensive psychosocial acre to patients and families coping with complex medical illnesses, serious suffering, and end-of-life challenges.
Educational opportunities include:
• Inpatient palliative care consultation services
• Hospice care programs
• Oncology services
• Home care and community-based palliative care programs
• Additional specialty services as available
These experiences provide opportunities to collaborate with patients and families across diverse diagnoses, stages of illness, and care settings.
Professional Development and Credentialing
The fellowship supports development of competencies outlined by national palliative care and social work organizations. Fellows will have opportunities to strengthen knowledge and skills related to:
• Serious illness communication
• Advance care planning
• Goals-of-care discussions
• Grief, loss, and bereavement support
• Ethical decision-making
• Interdisciplinary team collaboration
• Health equity and culturally responsive care
• Quality improvement and system-based practice
Graduates of the fellowship may be well-positioned to pursue advanced professional credentials, including:
• Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (CHP-SW) through the Social Work Hospice & Palliative Care Network (SWHPN)
• Advanced clinical social work licensure and certification opportunities as permitted by state regulations.
• Leadership and educational roles within hospice and palliative care programs
While certification is not required for fellowship participation, applicants interested in long-term careers in hospice and palliative care are encouraged to familiarize themselves with national credentialing pathways and continuing education expectations within the specialty.
Stipend and Benefits
The fellowship includes:
• Annual stipend of $45,000
• Health insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Access to educational and professional development opportunities
About Northwell Health
Northwell Health is an integrated, not-for-profit healthcare system serving communities throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley region of New York and Western Connecticut. Its comprehensive network includes hospitals, outpatient services, home care programs, and allied health services that care for diverse patient populations across urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must possess:
• A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) prior to the start date.
• A New York State Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential prior to the start of the fellowship; applicants holding a New York State limited permit are also eligible.
• Authorization to work in the United States
Preference may be given to applicants who demonstrate a strong interest in palliative care, hospice care, oncology, medical social work, or serious illness care.
Application Materials
Please submit the following documents in a single email in Word or PDF format by March 20, 2027.
Subject Line: Palliative Social Work Fellowship Application
Required Documents
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copy of New York State Social Work License (or documentation demonstrating eligibility; final licensure documentation must be provided prior to fellowship start)
• Unofficial MSW transcript
• Two letters of recommendation, preferably:
o One from a clinical supervisor
o One from an interdisciplinary colleague or professional familiar with your work
• Personal statement describing:
o Your interest in palliative and hospice care
o Reasons for applying to the fellowship.
o Relevant clinical experiences
o Professional goals
o Educational objectives for the fellowship year
Submission Information
Please email all application materials to:
Dawn Whitten
Email: [email protected]
Questions
Please direct fellowship questions to Dawn Whitten using the contact information above.
Apply
Attn: Dawn Whitten
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (845) 483-6477