Medical Social Worker (LMSW), Inpatient Care Coordinator

UT Southwestern Medical Center•Dallas, TX

27d

About The Position

The Medical Social Worker Care Coordinator is a member of the hospital’s Care Coordination Department. The role educates physicians and the healthcare team about psychosocial issues, identified patient and family problems, and strategies for addressing them. It applies specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in assessment, treatment planning, implementation and evaluation, case management, mediation, counseling, supportive counseling, direct practice, information and referral, supervision, consultation, education, research, advocacy, community organization, and the development and administration of policies, programs, and activities. The position does not apply specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills to assess, diagnose, or treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions, or addictions. The role integrates national standards for case management, including care coordination, compliance, and transition management. Transition planning begins at the initial patient encounter and is reevaluated throughout the hospital stay. The Care Coordinator arranges or ensures implementation and communication of transition-plan elements with the healthcare team, patient, family or caregiver, and post-acute providers, and conveys and verifies receipt of information needed for continuity of care and patient safety. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position requires a Texas Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW); two years of hospital experience are preferred.

Requirements

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) license in the state of Texas.

Nice To Haves

Two years of hospital experience.

Responsibilities

Screen and evaluate high-risk patients for discharge-planning needs, and consult with attending physicians and healthcare team members about psychosocial issues and care-transition barriers.
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team, including patients and families, to execute plans and interventions that facilitate the hospital stay, manage length of stay, and respond to changing care needs.
Facilitate patient care conferences, including conferences for complex cases, to help establish safe and effective discharge plans.
Implement transition-of-care plans to the next level through appropriate service referrals and ensure patients are offered choice regarding agencies and services.
Assist with adoption, abuse, and neglect cases through assessment, investigation, intervention, and referral to local, state, or federal agencies as appropriate.
Educate patients and families about community resources, interpret their needs, and explain the availability and limitations of resources.
Maintain communication with community agencies to support appropriate referrals and meet patient needs.
Maintain knowledge of payer benefits, hospital and community resources, and regulatory standards to support informed decisions, continuity of care, and desired outcomes.
Maintain chronological notes, clinical charts, statistical data, or case histories documenting social problems, patient and family involvement, and actions taken or planned.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

PPO medical plan, available on day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage.
100% coverage for preventive healthcare with no copay.
Paid time off available on day one.
Retirement programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
Paid parental leave.
Wellness programs.
Tuition reimbursement.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer.
On-site childcare.
Merit increases.