Mary Beth Gustafson
Richfield
Summary
Hospice Social Worker with extensive experience in psychosocial assessments and care plan development at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital Hospice. Proven track record in educating families on hospice services and ensuring compliance with Medicare regulations. Expertise in interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing patient outcomes through effective resource coordination and grief counseling. Strong communication and problem-solving skills, dedicated to improving patient wellbeing through compassionate support.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Therapist
Restorative Wellness Counseling
Plymouth
04.2025 - Current
- Conducted individual therapy sessions addressing diverse client needs.
- Developed personalized treatment plans informed by comprehensive client assessments.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to deliver effective therapeutic interventions.
- Assisted clients in developing coping skills for managing symptoms of mental illness.
- Maintained accurate, confidential client records in compliance with HIPAA guidelines.
Hospice Social Worker – Admissions/Case Manager
Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital Hospice
St. Louis Park
07.2015 - Current
- Educated families on hospice philosophy and Medicare benefits during home visits.
- Conducted psychosocial assessments to enhance patient understanding of hospice services.
- Managed caseload of 18 to 32 patients, ensuring thorough grasp of hospice offerings.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop personalized care plans for patients.
- Fulfilled Medicare Conditions of Participation by maintaining precise documentation and visit frequency.
- Trained new social workers in case management and admissions processes for effective service delivery.
- Provided resources and counseling for end-of-life planning to patients and families at home.
Hospice Social Worker – Admissions/Case Manager
Fairview Homecare & Hospice
Minneapolis
03.2008 - 07.2015
- Provided information, resources and supportive counseling for end-of-life planning with patients and family members in their homes.
- Conducted psychosocial assessments, provided education regarding hospice care and developed care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team and facility staff members.
- Assisted caseload of 25 – 38 patients and their family members in understanding and maximizing hospice services to support their end-of-life goals.
- Trained new hospice social workers to admission position.
Adjunct Faculty
University of St. Catherine/University of St. Thomas
St. Paul
08.2012 - 01.2013
- Taught Social Work Practice with Older Adults and Their Families course to master's and bachelor's students.
- Developed experiential curriculum featuring interactions between students and older adult mentors.
- Collaborated on Area Emphasis in Aging committee with selected Scholars and faculty staff.
Counseling Services Peer Program Manager
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly
Minneapolis
01.2010 - 03.2011
- Recruited, trained, and supervised older adult volunteers for weekly counseling services targeting grief, loss, and mild to moderate mental health issues.
- Conducted comprehensive mental health assessments in clients’ homes to identify specific counseling needs.
- Coordinated monthly training sessions for volunteers and staff on enhancing peer counseling skills, including 36-hour intensive training for new volunteers.
- Supervised MSW student interns while providing consultation to program staff for improved service delivery.
- Collaborated with multiple agencies to establish support groups for older adults, including a Sharing Your Life Story group for Russian immigrants.
Oncology Social Worker
Fairview Southdale Hospital
Edina
01.2005 - 03.2008
- Conducted psychosocial assessments and collaborated with interdisciplinary team to develop patient treatment plans.
- Provided education, support, and counseling to patients and family members facing cancer and mental health challenges.
- Assisted in creating and executing discharge plans to improve quality of life for patients and families.
- Served as Lead Social Worker on Oncology Partnership and Hospice Referral Improvement Process committees.
Social Worker
Amherst Wilder Foundation
St. Paul
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Delivered social services to 27 residents in Dunedin Assisted Living Program for older adults and individuals with mental illness.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive social service plans to enhance client functioning in least restrictive environments.
- Evaluated effectiveness of social service plans to ensure optimal support for clients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address diverse needs of residents.
- Facilitated access to community resources and services for improved resident well-being.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and service delivery outcomes.
- Promoted a supportive environment fostering independence among clients.
Intergenerational Program Coordinator
Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education
Minneapolis
08.1999 - 04.2004
- Onboarded, mentored, and motivated adults 55 and older to assist students in Minneapolis Public School classrooms.
Education
Masters of Social Work -
University of St. Catherine/University of St. Thomas
Saint Paul, Minnesota01.2002
Bachelor of Science - Elementary and Special Education
University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
La Crosse, Wisconsin01.1992
Skills
- Psychosocial assessment
- Care plan development
- Resource coordination
- Grief counseling
- Medicare compliance
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
Timeline
Therapist
Restorative Wellness Counseling
04.2025 - Current
Hospice Social Worker – Admissions/Case Manager
Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital Hospice
07.2015 - Current
Adjunct Faculty
University of St. Catherine/University of St. Thomas
08.2012 - 01.2013
Counseling Services Peer Program Manager
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly
01.2010 - 03.2011
Hospice Social Worker – Admissions/Case Manager
Fairview Homecare & Hospice
03.2008 - 07.2015
Oncology Social Worker
Fairview Southdale Hospital
01.2005 - 03.2008
Social Worker
Amherst Wilder Foundation
01.2004 - 01.2006
Intergenerational Program Coordinator
Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education
08.1999 - 04.2004
Masters of Social Work -
University of St. Catherine/University of St. Thomas
Bachelor of Science - Elementary and Special Education
University of Wisconsin – La Crosse