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

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report , we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals.

Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!

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

BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% 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
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Required

• 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) 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

JOB DUTIES

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).

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…