Northwest Health System Springdale

Job Summary

The Social Worker - MSW provides clinical social work services to patients and families to support optimal functioning, adjustment, and decision-making throughout the healthcare continuum. This role performs psychosocial assessments, offers counseling and emotional support, assists with care coordination and discharge planning, and connects patients to community and financial resources. The Social Worker collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to address barriers to care and contribute to safe, efficient transitions.

Essential Functions

• Conducts age-appropriate psychosocial assessments for neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients to evaluate emotional, social, and financial needs.
• Provides counseling, support, and resource education to help patients and families cope with illness, injury, disability, loss, or life transitions.
• Participates in interdisciplinary discharge planning by identifying psychosocial barriers, coordinating post-acute care services, and assisting with transitions to skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or home care.
• Facilitates referrals to internal and external services, including mental health providers, social service agencies, support groups, and financial assistance programs.
• Manages high-risk referrals and complex psychosocial cases, including new diagnoses, suspected abuse or neglect, adoption planning, behavioral health needs, and end-of-life care.
• Provides crisis intervention and support for patients and families experiencing acute emotional distress, grief, or trauma.
• Collaborates with physicians, nurses, case managers, and other disciplines to support care planning, continuity of care, and safe discharge.
• Participates in quality improvement efforts, including readmission reduction initiatives and psychosocial outcomes tracking.
• Maintains timely and accurate documentation in the medical record according to regulatory and organizational standards.
• Serves as a resource for peers and may assist in mentoring or guiding other social workers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) required
• 2-4 years of clinical social work experience in a healthcare setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of social work principles, case management practices, and psychosocial assessment methods.
• Strong clinical judgment and counseling skills to support patients and families in complex and emotionally charged situations.
• Familiarity with healthcare systems, post-acute services, and community-based resources.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including documentation in electronic medical records.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.
• Demonstrates empathy, cultural competence, and sensitivity to diverse populations.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage a caseload, and adapt to changing patient needs.

Licenses and Certifications

• LMSW - Licensed Medical Social Worker - State Licensure required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support required