Social Worker (MSW) Inpatient

About the role

A Social Worker – MSW (Inpatient) is a crucial member of the healthcare team, providing comprehensive support and services to patients and their families. The role involves conducting assessments, supporting patient‑centered care plans, facilitating resources, monitoring progress, advocating for patients, actively listening, respecting individuality, building trust, performing risk segmentation, carrying out delegated work, coordinating care, and communicating with payers.

Responsibilities

• Assessments: Conduct thorough assessments of patients' mental, emotional, and social well‑being, evaluating support systems, coping mechanisms, mental health conditions, and psychosocial factors.
• Patient‑Centered Care Plans: Collaborate with providers, patients, families, and the healthcare team to develop individualized care plans aligned with patients' goals, preferences, and values.
• Resource Facilitation: Connect patients and families with community resources, mental health services, support groups, and relevant programs; assist with referrals for psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and coordinate care with other providers.
• Progress Monitoring & Evaluation: Continuously monitor and evaluate patients' care plan progress, assess response to interventions, measure outcomes, and adjust plans as needed; ensure appropriate follow‑up and continuity of care.
• Advocacy: Advocate for patients' needs within the healthcare system and community, ensuring access to appropriate treatment and addressing barriers to well‑being.
• Active Listening: Provide a safe, non‑judgmental space for patients to express concerns, offering empathy, validation, and support.
• Respect for Individuality: Recognize and honor each patient’s cultural, social, and spiritual background, tailoring interventions accordingly.
• Building Trust: Establish trust‑based relationships through empathy, confidentiality, and professionalism, fostering open communication and therapeutic alliance.
• Risk Segmentation: Use risk segmentation strategies to identify patients needing additional support based on medical, psychological, and social risk factors.
• Tasks or Interventions: Perform specific tasks or interventions delegated by the healthcare team.
• Delegated Work: Coordinate referrals, conduct follow‑up assessments, and provide ongoing support as assigned.
• Care Coordination: Ensure seamless transitions and continuity of care across providers and settings, facilitating communication and advocating for patient needs.
• Payer Communication: Interact with insurance companies or government agencies to provide information for service authorization, reimbursement, or documentation.

Requirements

• Education: Master's Degree in Social Work
• Licensure/Certification: None required
• Professional Experience: Two (2) years health‑care experience strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of mental health conditions, diagnostic criteria, and evidence‑based treatment modalities
• Strong assessment and diagnostic skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Empathy, compassion, and cultural sensitivity
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines

Pay

Salary range: $33.37 – $47.97 per hour (Hiring Range). Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity.

Schedule

Full‑time, 40 hours per week, day shift, onsite work.

Benefits

This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System with UNC Health benefits. Employees who are currently participants in TSERS or the ORP may continue participation in those plans at UNC Health.