Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Overview

This position will work closely with Sickle Cell Psychologist and multidisciplinary team. More case management than therapy.

JOB SUMMARY:

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.

Work Schedule:

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

• The sickle cell program Social Worker provides a bridge between medical treatment and the psychosocial needs of patients and their families. 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).
• 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.

• Education:
  Master’s Degree in Social Work
• Experience: 3 years experience in medical and/or psychiatric social case work to include and 1 year as Social Worker II
• Licenses and Certifications: LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) Upon Hire and LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) may be required in some departments Upon Hire

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).

• Security:
  This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
• EEO: UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to equal opportunity. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.