Social Work Counselor

The Social Work Counselor role supports the Social Work department, which helps patients, families, and caregivers navigate the emotional and practical challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis. The team focuses on reducing psychosocial barriers to care through comprehensive support and intervention. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention.

As a Social Work Counselor, you will provide direct support and counseling across the care continuum. This position plays a vital role in ensuring patients receive timely, compassionate care that aligns with treatment goals. The Social Work Counselor collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

The ideal candidate has at least one year of social work experience, preferably in an oncology setting, along with demonstrated competency in biopsychosocial assessment, counseling, and resource navigation. A background in managing complex emotional, social, and practical needs is highly beneficial.

Minimum $77,000 - Midpoint $97,000 - Maximum $116,500

The typical work schedule will require flexibility since most will be evening with 1 day shift as needed to achieve the 4-10hr shifts. Also, the day shift would be 8-7pm (10hrs).

Work Location:

Onsite (Texas Medical Center)

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments using appropriate diagnostic criteria
• Recommend, facilitate, and implement interventions aligned with treatment plans
• Provide individual, family, and group counseling across the disease trajectory
• Support end-of-life, survivorship, and bereavement needs

• Participate in continuity of care and discharge planning
• Facilitate advance care planning with patients and caregivers
• Link patients to internal and external resources to reduce barriers to care

• Document all patient care activities within the institutional electronic health record
• Ensure documentation aligns with departmental and institutional policies

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team to support treatment compliance
• Communicate patient needs and progress effectively to care team members

• Perform other duties as assigned

• Required:
  
  Master's Degree Social Work (MSW or MSSW) from an accredited program approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

• Required:
  
  None
• Preferred:
  Experience working in hospital and with oncology patients.

• Required:
  
  LMSW
  - Licensed Master Social Worker State of Texas. Upon Hire or
• Required:
  
  LCSW
  - Licensed Clinical Social Wrkr State of Texas. Upon Hire

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements…