Social Worker II | University

In collaboration with patient/family, physicians and the interdisciplinary team, the Social Worker II is responsible for coordination of patient‑centered care and service delivery to facilitate optimal transitions and progression in care. The social worker collaborates and communicates with the healthcare team, involves the patient/family in the plan of care, and is responsible for coordinating and monitoring social work activities for the department;

works closely with management to identify and resolve care issues. The social worker models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

• Advanced Discharge Planning & Complex Care Coordination: manages complex psychosocial cases, coordinates multi‑agency discharge plans, and anticipates and mitigates discharge delays.
• Enhanced Patient & Family Support: supports patients/families in high‑stress situations and facilitates complex family meetings with RN Case Managers and providers.
• Advanced Resource Navigation: serves as a subject‑matter resource for benefits, entitlements, and community partnerships; coordinates with insurance case managers for escalated authorization or placement challenges.
• Interdisciplinary Leadership: key psychosocial consultant during rounds for complex cases, mentors Social Worker I staff, and collaborates with RN Case Managers on high‑risk readmission cases.
• Quality, Compliance & Departmental Support: supports hospital initiatives related to LOS, readmissions, and value‑based care; assists with onboarding and training of new social work staff or students.
• Typical Case Mix: moderate‑high complexity patients with social barriers requiring escalation and prolonged stays.

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (required)

• 1 year in an acute care environment (required)
• 2 years Social Work experience (required)

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Tennessee (required)
• Licensed Certified Social Worker, Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers (preferred)
• Licensed Master Social Worker, Tennessee (preferred)
• Licensed Master Social Worker, Mississippi (preferred)
• Accredited Case Manager, American Case Management Association (preferred)
• Case Manager, The Commission for Case Manager Certification (preferred)

• Excellent interpersonal skills for collaborative interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Comprehensive knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to gather, synthesize, and summarize patient care data to make judgments.
• Excellent oral and written communication, professional interaction with staff, health professionals, patients, and families.
• Application of a variety of social work interventions.
• Knowledge of family systems and human development across the lifespan.
• Ability to establish constructive relationships and manage conflict‑laden or complex social situations.
• Organizational skills and workflow management.
• Initiative, independent judgment, critical thinking.
• Relationship building with physicians and health professionals at all levels to meet goals.
• Excellent facilitation skills.
• Cultural competency and knowledge of special population interventions.
• Adaptability to a fast‑paced, continuous improvement environment.
• Proficiency in basic word processing, internet navigation, and electronic medical record use.

There are no supervisory responsibilities assigned to this job; may delegate to administrative support staff, if applicable.

• May include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, repetitive motion.
• Good balance and coordination required.
• Medium work exerting up to 25 lbs occasionally, up to 10 lbs frequently.
• Close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision required for assessment, data analysis, and computer use.
• Exposure to patient body fluids and hazardous materials.
• Ability to react quickly to emergencies; may have night/weekend rotating schedule.