Social Worker III - Ambulatory Clinic-Blood Disorders-Comp Sickle Cell Program

UT Southwestern Medical Center • Dallas, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Works under moderate supervision to provide advanced professional skills in development of social service programs and to provide advanced social service to patients with multiple and/or complex needs in clinical and/or hospital environment

The sickle cell program Social Worker provides a bridge between medical treatment and the psychosocial needs of patients and their families. Their duties focus on addressing the complex emotional, financial, and social barriers that impact long-term health outcomes for individuals living with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Work Schedule: This position is on-site and the schedule is Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Social Work
• 3 years experience in medical and/or psychiatric social case work to include and
• 1 year as Social Worker II
• (LMSW) LIC MASTER SOCIAL WORKER Licensed Master Social Worker Upon Hire and
• (LCSW) LIC CLINCAL SOCIAL WORKER Licensed Clinical Social Worker) may be required in some departments Upon Hire

Responsibilities

• Psychosocial & Mental Health Support
• Provide psychosocial assessments, counseling, and emotional support for patients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and chronic illness‑related stress.
• Facilitate referrals to mental health professionals and coordinate ongoing behavioral health care.
• Support coping skills development for patients and families managing chronic pain and disease uncertainty.
• Care Coordination & Case Management
• Assist patients with appointment preparation, follow‑up care, understanding medical plans, and navigating complex healthcare systems.
• Coordinate communication between hematology, pain management, mental health, and primary care providers.
• Support seamless transition from pediatric to adult sickle cell care models.
• Documentation, Benefits, & Accommodation Support
• Assist with ADA documentation, medical leave forms, disability applications, school accommodation forms, and employment‑related paperwork.
• Addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
• Identify and mitigate challenges such as housing instability, food insecurity, lack of transportation, and financial hardship.
• Connect patients with community programs, public benefits, and support services.
• Advocate for equitable access to health services and address systemic disparities impacting SCD care.
• Advocacy & Stigma Reduction
• Advocate for patients experiencing bias or stigma in medical settings, particularly during pain crises where concerns may be dismissed.
• Educate care teams and community partners about challenges faced by SCD patients to promote respectful, equitable care.
• Family & Emotional Support
• Provide family counseling, crisis support, and education on coping with chronic illness.
• Inform families about SCD management, healthcare benefits, and advance care planning.
• Serve as a liaison between the medical team, the patient, and external agencies to ensure holistic care.
• Crisis, Pain Episode, & Hospitalization Support
• Assist patients during acute pain episodes by addressing school or work disruptions and helping manage the psychosocial impact of frequent hospitalizations.
• Serve as an advocate in high‑stress emergency care situations.
• Long‑Term Planning & Life Transitions
• Provide guidance on vocational planning, disability considerations, and long‑term life goals impacted by chronic illness.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100%25 coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer

What This Job Offers

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