Pediatric social worker vs hospice social worker

The differences between pediatric social workers and hospice social workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a pediatric social worker and a hospice social worker. Additionally, a pediatric social worker has an average salary of $58,039, which is higher than the $52,859 average annual salary of a hospice social worker.

The top three skills for a pediatric social worker include social work, patients and mental health. The most important skills for a hospice social worker are social work, patients, and home health.

Pediatric social worker vs hospice social worker overview

	Pediatric Social Worker	Hospice Social Worker
Yearly salary	$58,039	$52,859
Hourly rate	$27.90	$25.41
Growth rate	9%	9%
Number of jobs	58,217	110,787
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Master's Degree, 50%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	2	2

What does a pediatric social worker do?

A pediatric social worker assists sick children and their families in the treatment and management of chronic conditions or illnesses. This role requires one to specialize in an area of pediatric care such as oncology, burns, etc. As a pediatric social worker, you must be ready to take up inpatient and outpatient responsibilities to advise and link your clients with the needed resources. They also offer emotional support, liaise with medical staff, and coordinate the child's care.

What does a hospice social worker do?

A hospice social worker is primarily in charge of providing emotional support and guidance to terminally-ill patients and their families, aiming to give them comfort and assistance in various procedures. Their responsibilities include identifying the needs of patients and their families through visitations or appointments, coordinating with nurses and physicians, and serving as a patient advocate by providing them with spiritual and emotional comfort. Furthermore, as a hospice social worker, it is essential to assist families with the bereavement processes, referring them to other programs as necessary.

Pediatric social worker vs hospice social worker salary

Pediatric social workers and hospice social workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Pediatric Social Worker	Hospice Social Worker
Average salary	$58,039	$52,859
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $80,000	Between $41,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between pediatric social worker and hospice social worker education

There are a few differences between a pediatric social worker and a hospice social worker in terms of educational background:

	Pediatric Social Worker	Hospice Social Worker
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Master's Degree, 50%
Most common major	Social Work	Social Work
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Pediatric social worker vs hospice social worker demographics

Here are the differences between pediatric social workers' and hospice social workers' demographics:

	Pediatric Social Worker	Hospice Social Worker
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 13.8% Female, 86.2%	Male, 13.8% Female, 86.2%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 19.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 3.3% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 19.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 3.3% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	13%	13%

Differences between pediatric social worker and hospice social worker duties and responsibilities

Pediatric social worker example responsibilities.

Screen, identify, diagnose using DSM nomenclature, treat and manage mental health and/or substance abuse problems.
Monitor high risk neonatal pediatric hospital patients recently discharge, ensuring proper follow-up and clinical management.
Develop a plan for intervention that are consistent with the social/emotional/physical needs of patients and caregivers.
Perform advocacy and referral services to other social service agencies which include alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs.
Coordinate care with community providers for follow up if patient are discharged, prepare documentation for admission to inpatient psychiatry unit.
Analyze psychological / psycho-social evaluations, IEP's, and medical histories within a referral packet to determine eligibility.

Hospice social worker example responsibilities.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary team to provide necessary referrals and counseling to achieve establish patient goals.
Provide support, education and compassion to patients and family members.
Assist patients and families with obtaining necessary insurances such as Medicaid, etc.
Provide advocacy and support services to terminally ill patients, families and/or significant others to maximize benefits and limit out-of-pocket expenses.
Work as lead MSW on all pediatric hospice cases.
Work with other members of the IDT to track and document changes to the patient's status, coping, etc.

Pediatric social worker vs hospice social worker skills

Common pediatric social worker skills

Social Work, 33%
Patients, 24%
Mental Health, 7%
Patient Care, 7%
MSW, 7%
Family Therapy, 2%

Common hospice social worker skills

Social Work, 29%
Patients, 19%
Home Health, 11%
MSW, 5%
Patient Care, 4%
Crisis Intervention, 4%

Pediatric Social Worker vs. similar jobs

Pediatric Social Worker related careers

Pediatric Social Worker related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Community and Social Services Industry
Pediatric Social Worker
Pediatric Social Worker vs Hospice Social Worker

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse community and social services jobs