Social Worker I | LeBonheur | Emergency Department | Evenings

Job Overview The Social Worker (MSW) supports safe, timely, and effective patient transitions throughout the acute care episode. Responsibilities focus on psychosocial assessment, discharge planning, resource coordination, and patient/family support. The role collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to reduce barriers to care, prevent avoidable readmissions, and promote optimal patient outcomes. Clinical therapy, diagnosis, or licensed clinical interventions are not performed by this position. Responsibilities Discharge Planning & Care Coordination Conduct psychosocial assessments to identify discharge barriers such as social, financial, environmental, and support needs. Develop individualized discharge plans in collaboration with RN case managers, physicians, nurses, therapists, and other team members. Coordinate post‐acute services (home health, DME, transportation, community resources, follow‐up appointments). Ensure timely communication with families, caregivers, and external providers. Facilitate safe transitions to SNF, IRF, LTACH, or home settings. Patient & Family Support Provide education on available resources, benefits, and community programs. Assist patients and families with advance care planning discussions (non‐clinical guidance). Support patients experiencing psychosocial stressors related to hospitalization, illness, or caregiving needs. Advocate for patient rights, preferences, and culturally appropriate care. Resource Navigation & Community Coordination Identify financial, housing, transportation, and social support needs. Connect patients to community agencies, social service programs, and charitable resources. Coordinate with insurance case managers for authorizations and benefits clarification. Assist with applications for Medicaid, disability, or other assistance programs as permitted by policy. Interdisciplinary Collaboration Participate in daily rounds, huddles, and care coordination meetings. Communicate patient needs, barriers, and discharge readiness to the care team. Collaborate with RN case managers on complex cases requiring clinical and psychosocial oversight. Documentation & Compliance Complete timely and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record. Adhere to CMS, Joint Commission, and hospital policies related to discharge planning and patient rights. Support hospital initiatives such as readmission reduction, length‐of‐stay management, and value‐based care models. Additional Duties Assist with other non‐clinical activities as required by the organization. Qualifications Education and Training Master's Degree in Social Work. Experience in acute care, healthcare, social services, or community resource coordination preferred. Knowledge of discharge planning, community resources, and healthcare systems strongly preferred. Licensing and Certifications Required: Licensed Master Social Worker, Tennessee (board of social workers) or licensed within 12 months. Preferred: Licensed Master Social Worker, Mississippi (board of examiners for social workers). Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Excellent interpersonal skills for collaborative interdisciplinary teamwork. Comprehensive knowledge of community resources and ability to link patients and families to appropriate services. Strong oral and written communication skills; professional interaction with staff, partners, and families. Ability to build constructive, therapeutic relationships and manage complex social situations. Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, caseloads, and projects while maintaining accuracy. Initiative, independent judgment, critical thinking, and problem‐solving skills. Proficiency with basic computer applications and electronic medical record systems. Supervision No supervisory responsibilities assigned; may delegate to administrative support staff, if applicable. Physical Demands The position requires climbing, pushing, standing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion. Tasks may involve exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally or up to 10 lbs. frequently. Good balance and coordination, visual acuity (color, depth perception, field of vision) are needed for patient assessment and data analysis. Exposure to patient body fluids and hazardous materials may occur. Ability to react quickly during emergencies is required, and on‐call for nights/weekends may be required on a rotating schedule. Note on Clinical Scope This position does not provide psychotherapy or clinical counseling, diagnose mental health conditions, perform clinical risk assessments requiring licensure, or conduct clinical interventions reserved for licensed providers. All support activities remain non‐clinical. #J-18808-Ljbffr