Social Work Counselor

About the Role

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

Responsibilities

• Patient Assessment & Counseling:
  • 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.
• Care Coordination:
  • 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.
• Documentation & Compliance:
  • Document all patient care activities within the institutional electronic health record.
  • Ensure documentation aligns with departmental and institutional policies.
• Collaboration:
  • Work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team to support treatment compliance.
  • Communicate patient needs and progress effectively to care team members.
• Other Duties:
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Required: Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW or MSSW) from an accredited program approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Work Experience:
  • Preferred: At least one year of social work experience, preferably in an oncology setting.
• Licenses and Certifications:
  • Required: LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker (State of Texas) or LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker (State of Texas) upon hire.

Skills

• Demonstrated competency in biopsychosocial assessment, counseling, and resource navigation.
• Background in managing complex emotional, social, and practical needs.

Pay

Salary Range: Minimum $77,000 - Midpoint $97,000 - Maximum $116,500

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week.
• 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.
• Access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System and voluntary retirement plans.
• Employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Why Us?

Joining MD Anderson as a Social Work Counselor allows you to make a meaningful impact on patient care while building your clinical expertise in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. This role supports career growth, stability, and work-life balance through comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities.