Medical Social Worker

City of Austin

5d • $60,630 - $74,270

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Medical Social Worker provides medical social work services to patients and clients and their families. This position is part of the Communicable Diseases Unit and facilitates care for people diagnosed with HIV who are new to care or returning to care, as well as people starting PrEP or nPEP. The work focuses on community-based case management, re-engaging people who are out of HIV medical care, and supporting them until they achieve viral suppression. The role also includes clinical social work services in the CDU Sexual Health Clinic and TB/Clinic, with rotation among clinic clients, and participation in monthly outreach events with testing and Disease Intervention Specialist teams in areas with rising STI rates.

The role is primarily field- and community-based, with a clinical component. It is grant-funded, and the funding may be modified, reduced, or canceled at the discretion of the City of Austin or the grant provider. The general schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; hours may vary according to operational needs, with occasional work after 5:00 p.m. The position is based at RBJ-15 Waller in Austin, Texas, and may involve travel to multiple locations in the Greater Austin area.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Social Work, or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university plus two years of experience in a field related to counseling individuals in crisis or trauma situations.
• Must be licensed under the Regulation of Social Work Practitioners Act of the State of Texas and maintain the license during employment.
• Valid Texas Class C driver’s license; external new hires must meet the City of Austin Driver Record Evaluation requirements to be considered for driving duties.
• Ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience needed to perform the essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Knowledge of theoretical constructs of human development.
• Knowledge of community resources available for children’s development, emotional therapy, and/or support.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and counseling techniques used in trauma, grief, or crisis situations.
• Knowledge of social work theory and techniques.
• Knowledge of requirements for categorical assistance programs.
• Knowledge of psychosocial factors impacted by illness and disability and intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of federal and state program requirements for services to children, adolescents, and their families.
• Knowledge of health education assessment, instruction, and evaluation methods.
• Compliance with Austin Public Health’s immunization policy; certain vaccinations are required for employees who routinely work face-to-face with specified client populations.
• Pre-employment Criminal Background Investigation is required.

Nice To Haves

• Social work experience dealing with medical care, mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness issues.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Ability to travel to multiple locations.
• Experience working with communicable diseases, including HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and tuberculosis (TB).
• Master of Social Work and an active Texas social work license, identified in the position overview as expected qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Consult with the health care team to improve its understanding of patients’ social and emotional factors.
• Review work for accuracy and completeness.
• Interview clients and/or their families to assess psychosocial and resource needs.
• Develop and implement individual social work treatment plans.
• Compile data and information for reports, cost estimates, and other purposes.
• Write informational reports.
• Refer people to appropriate agencies or programs.
• Record data on appropriate forms and logs.
• Attend meetings as a section representative.
• Seek and evaluate alternative funding sources.
• Attend meetings and seminars to stay current in job practices.
• Counsel individuals and/or their families to support understanding and acceptance of treatment and adjustment after treatment.
• Provide community-based case management to re-engage people who are out of HIV medical care and support them until viral suppression.
• Facilitate care for people with HIV who are new to care or returning to care, and people starting PrEP or nPEP.
• Rotate through the CDU Sexual Health Clinic and TB/Clinic to provide clinical medical social work services.
• Participate in monthly community outreach events with testing and Disease Intervention Specialist teams in areas with rising STI rates.
• Perform other tasks as required.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement and possible other financial and professional development support for continuing education, licenses, and certifications.
• For covered employees, low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave, and a competitive retirement plan.
• Training opportunities.
• Wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Generous leave and work-life balance programs.
• Access to public transit and bike-friendly transportation infrastructure.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level