Social Worker II | University | Days

If you are looking to make an impact on a meaningful scale, come join us as we embrace the Power of One!

We strive to be an employer of choice and establish a reputation for being a talent rich organization where Associates can grow their career caring for others. For over a century, we’ve served the health care needs of the people of Memphis and the Mid-South.

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 is responsible for coordination and collaboration of care with patient, caregiver, physician and other members of the health care management team. The social worker collaborates and communicates with the healthcare team and involves the patient/family in the plan of care and responsible for coordinating and monitoring social work activities for the department and works closely with management to identify and resolve care issues. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

Working at MLH means carrying the mission forward of caring for our community and impacting the lives of patients in every way through compassion, a deliberate focus on service expectations and a consistent thriving for excellence.

A Brief Overview
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 is responsible for coordination and collaboration of care with patient, caregiver, physician and other members of the health care management team. The social worker collaborates and communicates with the healthcare team and involves the patient/family in the plan of care and responsible for coordinating and monitoring social work activities for the department and works closely with management to identify and resolve care issues. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

What you will do

• Advanced Discharge Planning & Complex Care Coordination Manages complex psychosocial cases (e.g., homelessness, substance use history, guardianship issues, frequent readmissions). Coordinates multi-agency discharge plans involving legal, community, and payer stakeholders. Anticipates and mitigates discharge delays through proactive planning.
• Enhanced Patient & Family Support Supports patients/families in high-stress or emotionally charged situations (e.g., prolonged LOS, difficult discharge decisions). Facilitates complex family meetings in collaboration with RN Case Managers and providers (non-clinical role).
• 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 Functions as a key psychosocial consultant during rounds for complex cases. Mentors Social Worker I staff through case consultation and informal coaching. Collaborates closely 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 (if applicable).
• Typical Case Mix: Moderate–high complexity patients, social barriers requiring escalation, prolonged stays.

Education/Formal Training Requirements

• Required - Master's Degree Social Work

Work Experience Requirements

• Required - 1 year Acute care environment
• Required - 2 years Social Work

Licenses and Certifications Requirements

• Required - Licensed Clinical Social Worker Tennessee - Tennessee Board of Social Workers
• Preferred - Licensed Certified Social Worker - Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers
• Preferred - Licensed Master Social Worker Tennessee - Tennessee Board of Social Workers
• Preferred - Licensed Master Social Worker Mississippi - Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers
• Preferred - Accredited Case Manager - American Case Management Association
• Preferred - Case Manager - The Commission for Case Manager Certification

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively within an integrated interdisciplinary team.
• Comprehensive knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of and ability to gather relevant data to synthesize and summarize information in making judgments regarding patient care.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills necessary to communicate/exchange and interact effectively and professionally with hospital staff, agency health care professionals, patients and families.
• Ability to use a variety of social work interventions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of family systems and human development across the life span.
• Ability to establish constructive relationships with patient and families and manage deal with conflict-laden or complex social situations.
• Ability to organize multiple tasks and projects and maintain control of one’s own work flow.
• Ability to use initiative in decision-making; independent judgment and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain working relationships with physicians and work collaboratively with health professionals at all levels to achieve established goals.
• Demonstrated excellent facilitation skills
• Demonstrates cultural competency and knowledge of interventions with special populations.
• Adaptability to a fast-paced environment of constant change and continuous performance improvement.
• Proficient in basic word processing skills (Word), internet navigation, and electronic medical record

Supervision Provided by this Position

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

Physical Demands

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: medium work - exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
• The Associate is required to have close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision to perform an activity, such as assessing patients, preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
• Exposure to patient body fluids as well as exposure to hazardous or poisonous materials.
• Ability to react quickly to emergency situations; may be required to take call for nights/weekends on a rotating schedule.

Our Associates are passionate about what they do, the service they provide and the patients they serve. We value family, team and a Power of One culture that requires commitment to the highest standards of care and unity.

Boasting one of the South's largest medical centers, Memphis blends a friendly community, a thriving and growing downtown, and a low cost of living. We see each day as a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community.