Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Medical Specialties & Primary Care

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

19d•$63,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Division of Health Social Work serves as a centralized hub for social workers and other integrated health providers, fostering an environment that empowers professionals to improve the health and enhance the well-being of patients and families in partnership with patients, families, and communities. Through cutting-edge models and comprehensive services, the division creates tangible value within the healthcare ecosystem while championing whole-person care and interprofessional collaboration. Functioning as a formalized collaborative structure, the Division of Health Social Work unites interprofessional missions, cultivating synergies that drive impactful, patient-centric care. A hybrid work schedule (working onsite and remotely) is available for this position after onsite training and successful performance review have been completed. The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) supports patients in improving their overall functioning and well-being through case consultation, case management, evidence-based brief interventions, and psychotherapy. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the LMSW uses a patient-centered approach to address the biopsychosocial needs of individuals facing medical and behavioral health conditions such as chronic illness, chronic pain, adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The role requires strong clinical judgment, clear communication, and the ability to create individualized care plans that foster resilience and continuity of care.

Requirements

Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
Current licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the State of Texas.

Nice To Haves

2 years of post-degree clinical experience in a healthcare setting.
Proficiency in evidence-based brief interventions, motivational interviewing, and a strong knowledge of community resources.
LCSW eligibility or in progress toward licensure.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Responsibilities

Conduct case consultations, case management, psychotherapy, and psychosocial education for patients, caregivers, and their support networks.
Introduce social work services and assess psychosocial and support system needs.
Initiate timely contact in response to urgent needs, including critical patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and mental health crises.
Provide appropriate assessment, intervention, and follow-up based on identified needs.
Recommend care plan updates to enhance patient function, quality of life, and health-related outcomes.
Collaborate with medical teams to address psychosocial factors affecting care, including substance use (e.g., tobacco cessation), pre- and post-surgical planning, and transportation barriers to support positive surgical outcomes.
Maintain timely, accurate, and comprehensive documentation in accordance with organizational standards.
Provide psychosocial education to patients’ care partners and support networks.
Coordinate care with families, healthcare teams, and community agencies.
Build and sustain relationships with community organizations to facilitate referrals and ensure access to vital services such as transportation, emergency housing, caregiver support, financial assistance, and complex case management.
Participate in research and quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care operations.
Support screening, tracking, and reporting of patient outcomes and social work interventions.
Offer discipline-specific expertise to interdisciplinary teams, particularly regarding mental health, historically underserved populations, social determinants of health, and innovative approaches to managing chronic illness.
Attend division and integrated practice unit (IPU) meetings, as well as ongoing training and continuing education opportunities to support collaborative practice and adherence to best practices.
Assist with preparation for interdisciplinary care team meetings as needed.
Provide occasional coverage for urgent social work needs when other team members are unavailable, ensuring continuity of care.