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 I 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
The Social Worker (MSW) is responsible for supporting safe, timely, and effective patient transitions throughout the acute care episode. This role focuses on psychosocial assessment, discharge planning, resource coordination, and patient/family support. The Social Worker collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to reduce barriers to care, prevent avoidable readmissions, and promote optimal patient outcomes. This position does not perform clinical therapy, diagnosis, or licensed clinical interventions. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.
What you will do
- Discharge Planning & Care Coordination Conducts psychosocial assessments to identify barriers to discharge, including social, financial, environmental, and support needs. Develops individualized discharge plans in collaboration with RN Case Managers, physicians, nursing, therapy, and other team members. Coordinates post-acute services such as home health, DME, transportation, community resources, and follow-up appointments. Ensures timely communication with families, caregivers, and external providers. Facilitates safe transitions to SNF, IRF, LTACH, or home settings.
- Patient & Family Support Provides education on available resources, benefits, and community programs. Assists patients and families with advance care planning discussions (non-clinical guidance only). Supports patients experiencing psychosocial stressors related to hospitalization, illness, or caregiving needs. Advocates for patient rights, preferences, and culturally appropriate care.
- Resource Navigation & Community Coordination Identifies financial, housing, transportation, and social support needs. Connects patients to community agencies, social service programs, and charitable resources. Coordinates with insurance case managers as needed for authorizations and benefits clarification. Assists with applications for Medicaid, disability, or other assistance programs (as allowed by hospital policy).
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration Participates in daily rounds, huddles, and care coordination meetings. Communicates patient needs, barriers, and discharge readiness to the care team. Works closely with RN Case Managers on complex cases requiring both clinical and psychosocial oversight.
- Documentation & Compliance Completes timely and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record. Adheres to CMS, Joint Commission, and hospital policies related to discharge planning and patient rights. Supports hospital initiatives such as readmission reduction, length-of-stay management, and value-based care models (e.g., TEAM Model)
- Additional Duties as required
- This position does not: Provide psychotherapy or clinical counseling Diagnose mental health conditions Conduct clinical risk assessments requiring licensure Perform clinical interventions reserved for licensed providers
Education/Formal Training Requirements
- Required - Master's Degree Social Work
Work Experience Requirements
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.
