Case Management, Communication Skills, Community and Social Services, Copying Machines, Crisis Intervention, Discharge Plans, Documentation, Electronic Medical Records, English Language, Health Plan, Healthcare, Home Care, Hospice Care, Hospital, Insurance, Insurance Regulations, Keyboards, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Long-Term Care, Managed Care, Manual Dexterity, Medicaid, Medical Office, Medical Records, Medicare, Medications, Microsoft Office, Multilingual, Nursing, Office Equipment, Onboarding, Patient Assessment, Patient Care, Photocopy, Physical Demands, Plan Meetings, Productivity Management, Protective Services, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Regulatory Compliance, SSI, Social Work, Spanish Language, Stewardship, Team Player, Time Management, Utilization Management, Willing to Travel
Job Purpose
The Licensed Social Worker is responsible for coordinating safe, timely, and appropriate discharge planning for inpatients with complex psychosocial, financial, and medical needs. The role focuses on facilitating access to long-term care, community-based resources, financial assistance, medication programs, and supporting other related patient-centered services. This position requires an active Texas social work license (LBSW, LMSW, or LCSW) and knowledge of insurance plans, Medicaid/Medicare, and local/state assistance programs.
In addition, the Social Worker is responsible for contributing to the growth and success of HealthTexas while upholding our Mission, Vision and Values.
Culture and Values Expectations
At HealthTexas, we believe that our workplace culture is the cornerstone of our success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative environment where every Associate feels valued, empowered and motivated to reach their full potential. Our culture is the driving force behind our mission "to deliver quality and compassionate care with outstanding service, every patient, every time". As a Social Worker at HealthTexas we expect you to embody and promote our Values and defined behavioral expectations.
Integrity: Do the right thing, the right way, every time.
Be honest and uphold commitments and responsibilities, earn the trust and respect of the team and those we serve, and maintain privacy and confidentiality.
Compassion: Treat everyone with respect and dignity.
Foster an environment of inclusivity and well-being, practice patience and empathy, and assume positive intent.
Synergy: Collaborate to improve outcomes.
Invite and explore new opportunities, promote effective communication and teamwork, take pride in yourself, your work and HealthTexas.
Stewardship: Use resources responsibly and efficiently.
Implement effective strategies to attain goals, achieve maximum productivity and results, and seek continuous knowledge and improvement.
Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for patients with complex discharge planning needs.
- Collaborate with case managers, physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized discharge plans.
- Facilitate placements in long-term care, rehabilitation, hospice, or community living environments.
- Assist patients and families with accessing financial assistance programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, SSDI/SSI, and charity care programs.
- Coordinate applications for medication assistance programs and ensure medication access post-discharge.
- Serve as a liaison between the patient, family, healthcare team, and external agencies (e.g., home health, adult protective services, mental health services).
- Identify and mitigate psychosocial barriers to discharge (e.g., housing instability, lack of caregiver support, transportation issues).
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of insurance regulations, local and state social services, and community resources.
- Document all assessments, interventions, referrals, and outcomes in the medical record in compliance with regulatory and facility standards.
- Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.
Requirements
- Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.
- Licensure: Active Texas license (LBSW, LMSW, or LCSW) in good standing.
- Experience: Minimum of 2 years in insurance medical social work.
- Skills:
- Strong communication and crisis intervention skills
- Knowledge of local/state/federal health and social services
- Ability to interpret insurance coverage and benefits
- Proficiency in EMR documentation (ECW and Microsoft Office)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience with inpatient hospital discharge planning
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
- Familiarity with managed care plans and utilization review processed
Work Hours, Travel Requirements
- Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and as needed to complete projects.
- Travel to local hospitals, home, medical clinics, and/or rehab centers as needed to assist with placement, Medicaid applications, assistance with community resources, care planning meeting, and other assigned duties as needed.
- May become hybrid position after successful onboarding period.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
Requires prolonged sitting, some bending, stooping, stretching, and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, and other office equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare and communicate appropriate reports. Standard medical office environment.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Job responsibilities, location, work hours, etc., may change at any time with or without notice.