Licensed Human Services-Social Worker

University of South Florida•Tampa, FL

About The Position

The Social Worker serves as an advocate and support resource for individuals and families affected by Huntington’s Disease (HD). This position assesses the psychological, physiological, and environmental needs of patients and provides support for the emotional, medical, and spiritual well-being of patients and caregivers. The Social Worker provides direct interventions, crisis support, and referrals to community-based resources, and collaborates regularly with the Center Director and the multidisciplinary care team to ensure comprehensive patient-centered care.

Requirements

Each position assigned to this classification must require specific training at the Bachelor’s or Master’s degree level in Education, Special Education, Psychology, Social Work, or another field appropriate to the program content.
Bachelor’s degree candidates must have at least two (2) years of applicable experience.
A Master’s degree may substitute for the required experience.
Specific certifications or licensures may be required or preferred depending on program needs.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary point of contact for new patient intake, conducting telephone assessments and providing education, health information, resources, and crisis intervention as needed.
Guide and support individuals considering Huntington’s Disease genetic testing by conducting intakes, providing emotional support throughout the process, and coordinating care with genetic counselors to promote informed and empowered decision-making.
Provide counseling and emotional support to patients, families, and caregivers experiencing grief, depression, anxiety, OCD, caregiver burnout, and other acute or chronic mental health concerns.
Educate patients and families on advance directives, long-term care planning, caregiving resources, genetic testing considerations, and law enforcement-related issues as they pertain to Huntington’s Disease.
Facilitate Huntington’s Disease support groups for patients and caregivers by using effective communication, rapport building, and group facilitation skills to create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Promote coping skills and peer support for individuals navigating complex psychosocial challenges related to HD.
Conduct structured mental health and cognitive screenings/assessments (e.g., MoCA, C-SSRS, BDI) to evaluate patient needs and determine appropriate interventions and referrals.
Assist patients and families with applications for social insurance and public assistance programs, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, FMLA, and long-term disability insurance.
Collaborate with caregivers, family members, and a multidisciplinary clinical team—including neurologists, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and dietitians—to ensure coordinated and high-quality care.
Provide education and training through workshops for USF Health staff, multidisciplinary teams, and other medical professionals to promote Huntington’s Disease awareness and best practices to improve patient care, treatment outcomes, and quality of life.
Coordinate the annual Huntington’s Disease educational conference for patients and families, including securing guest speakers, coordinating logistics and venue needs, collaborating with the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA), and presenting on topics related to living with Huntington’s Disease.