MSW Hospice Internship Program

An MSW internship with Amari Home Health & Hospice offers a meaningful, hands-on learning experience for students interested in end-of-life care, medical social work, and psychosocial support. This placement allows students to work closely with patients and families in both home and facility settings while developing confidence, clinical skills, and professional identity.

Interns receive strong supervision, mentorship, and ongoing guidance from an experienced interdisciplinary hospice team. At the same time, students are encouraged to grow in independence—learning how to manage visits, prioritize responsibilities, and demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and self-motivation in real-world settings.

Throughout the internship, students become valued members of a supportive care team that includes nurses, physicians, social workers, spiritual care providers, and volunteers. This balance of collaboration and autonomy helps interns build confidence while knowing consistent support is always available.

Internship Experience Includes:

  • Visiting patients in their homes and in care settings such as skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and memory care communities

  • Conducting psychosocial assessments under the supervision of a licensed social worker, with increasing independence as skills develop

  • Providing supportive counseling to patients and caregivers, with regular opportunities for debriefing, feedback, and clinical reflection

  • Assisting families with resources, care planning, and complex decision-making

  • Participating in interdisciplinary team meetings and learning collaborative care planning

  • Observing and assisting with sensitive conversations related to illness, grief, and end-of-life transitions

  • Developing strong communication, boundary-setting, ethical decision-making, and documentation skills

  • Learning hospice philosophy, regulations, and systems through agency training and hands-on experience

A Supportive and Growth-Focused Environment

Interns are encouraged to take initiative, think critically, and grow into their role as future social workers—while always having access to supervision, mentorship, and support. This placement is designed to foster resilience, compassion, professionalism, and ethical practice.

Students who complete this internship leave with a strong foundation in hospice social work, increased clinical confidence, and a deeper understanding of providing compassionate care at the end of life.

Who Should Apply

This internship is suited for MSW students who are interested in hospice care, medical social work, and supporting individuals and families through serious illness and end-of-life transitions.

Ideal applicants are students who:

  • Are currently enrolled in an accredited MSW program and eligible for a field placement

  • Have an interest in hospice, palliative care, healthcare, or geriatric social work

  • Are compassionate, emotionally mature, and able to engage in sensitive conversations with empathy and professionalism

  • Value both team collaboration and independent fieldwork

  • Are motivated self-starters who can manage time, follow through on responsibilities, and take initiative

  • Are open to learning, feedback, reflection, and personal growth

  • Demonstrate strong communication skills, ethical awareness, and respect for diverse backgrounds and beliefs

  • Are comfortable working in home and facility-based settings

Students do not need prior hospice experience. A willingness to learn, a strong sense of integrity, and an openness to self-reflection are essential.

Amari Home Health & Hospice serves patients throughout the Sacramento region, including Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Amado and neighboring communities.

Please complete the application form below. All applications are reviewed thoughtfully, and selected candidates may be contacted for an interview.