Medical Social Worker
City of Austin
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The City of Austin's Public Health Department seeks a Medical Social Worker for the Communicable Diseases Unit. The role combines field-based case management with clinical social work for clients diagnosed with HIV, PrEP/nPEP initiation, and re-engagement in care.
You will collaborate with care teams, coordinate resources, and support outreach programs in the Greater Austin area. Applicants should hold an MSW and a Texas social work license.
Qualifications
- Requires MSW and Texas social work licensure.
- Experience in medical social work, HIV care, and community outreach is preferred.
- Strong counseling and crisis intervention skills are essential.
Responsibilities
- Provide medical social work services to patients/clients and families.
- Develop and implement individual social work treatment plans.
- Coordinate with health care teams and refer to community resources and programs.
- Participate in outreach events with DIS teams and TB/clinic clients.
Skills
Education
Job description
Position Overview: The Medical Social Worker in the Communicable Diseases Unit provides medical social work services and facilitates care for individuals diagnosed with HIV who are new to care or returning, as well as individuals starting on PrEP/nPEP. This position is for community-based case management and involves working in the field and community for the majority of the time, with a clinical component. This position focuses on re-engaging individuals who are out of HIV medical care and providing case management until they achieve viral suppression. The medical social worker will also work in the CDU Sexual Health Clinic and TB/Clinic, rotating to provide clinical medical social work services to clinic clients. The social worker in this position will also participate in monthly community outreach events with our testing and Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) teams in areas with rising STI rates.
Candidates for this position should have a Master of Social Work and an active Social Work license to practice in the State of Texas.
Medical Social Worker Purpose: Under general supervision, provide medical social work services to patients/clients and families.
- Consult with health care team to further their understanding of patient social and emotional factors.
- Review work for accuracy and completeness.
- Interview clients and/or their families to assess their psychosocial and/or resource needs.
- Develop and implement individual social work treatment plan.
- Compile data/information for reports, cost estimates, etc.
- Write informational reports.
- Refer citizens to appropriate agency or program.
- Record data on appropriate form/log, etc.
- Attend meetings as section representative.
- Seek and evaluate alternative funding sources.
- Attend meetings/seminars to stay current in job practices.
- Counsel individuals and/or their families to increase their understanding and acceptance of treatment, etc. and to help patient adjust after treatment.
- Perform other tasks as required.
None.
- Knowledge of theoretical constructs of human development.
- Knowledge of community resources available for children's development, emotional therapy and/or support.
- Knowledge of crisis intervention and counseling techniques used in trauma, grief, or crisis situations.
- Knowledge of social work theory and techniques.
- Knowledge of the requirements for categorical assistance programs.
- Knowledge of psycho-social factors impacted by illness and disability and intervention techniques.
- Knowledge of federal and state program requirements for services to children, adolescents and their families.
- Knowledge of health education assessment, instructions and evaluation methods.
- Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Social Work OR Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of experience in a field related to counseling individuals in crisis/trauma situations.
- Licensed under the Regulation of Social Work Practitioners Act of the State of Texas and will be required to maintain during employment.
- Social work experience in dealing with medical care, mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness issues.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish.
- Ability to travel to multiple locations.
- Demonstrates experience working with communicable diseases including HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and tuberculosis (TB).
$57,970.00 - $70,720.00
RBJ-15 Waller, Austin TX 78702
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM *Hours may vary due to operational needs. with the possibility of occasional work after 5
This position is grant-funded, meaning its financial support comes from allocated funds that may be modified, reduced, or canceled at the discretion of the City of Austin or the grant provider.
Austin Public Health (APH) works to ensure that the community is protected from disease and other public health threats, and to empower others to live healthier, safer lives. This position supports Austin Public Health’s Mission and Core Purpose identified in the Austin Public Health Strategic Plan.
- Meaningful Work – Contribute to services and programs that improve the lives of the people in our community.
- Innovation and Collaboration – Collaborate with diverse and talented teams, leveraging technology, continuous improvement, and best practices to drive progress and deliver meaningful services to the Greater Austin Area.
- Professional Growth and Development – Achieve your professional goals. APH offers opportunities to advance in multiple career paths, including nursing, medical fields, program management, environmental health, finance, business administration, process improvement, and data analytics. Education assistance is available through our tuition reimbursement program, and other financial and professional development support for continuing education, licenses, and certifications may be available.
- Work-Life Balance – Enjoy a balanced lifestyle in a city renowned for its quality of life, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. Our employees also enjoy the ability to work up to 60% remotely, depending upon position and business needs.
- Health and Wellness – The City of Austin is committed to providing cost-effective, sustainable benefits that assist employees in being physically and mentally healthy. For employees that are covered this includes low‑cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more.
Click here to review the City of Austin's Employee Benefits Guide. To learn more about working with the City of Austin, click here to watch a short video!
A detailed, complete City of Austin employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience that is relevant to this position. If you are selected as the top candidate for a position, we may be contacting your current and former employer listed on the application for reference checks as a part of the pre‑employment verification process. If you are identified as a top candidate, verification of your education, which may include High School graduation or GED equivalent, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees, will be required depending on position requirements.
This position may require a skills assessment. The Austin Public Health Department may close this job posting at any time after it has been advertised for seven (7) days, please apply as soon as possible if interested. Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submissions, must be fully completed before that time. We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system. This position will require a pre‑employment Criminal Background Investigation (CBI). Immunization Requirement: Austin Public Health employees must comply with the department’s immunization policy. Proof of having had certain vaccinations is required for employees that work in an environment that involves face‑to‑face interaction with pregnant women, infants, children, STI/TB clients, immunocompromised clients, and clients at high risk for TB on a routine basis. Tobacco‑free Workplace: The City of Austin is a tobacco‑free workplace. Use of tobacco products and/or e‑cigarettes is not permitted on any City of Austin worksite- including construction sites, parking lots, garages, or in personal vehicles parked on the premises.
The Austin Public Health Department is comprised of multiple facilities located throughout the Greater Austin area. If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Record Evaluation you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations. Driving Requirement: This position requires a Valid Texas Class "C" Driver's License. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin's Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty‑six (36) months.
If the same or an additional vacancy occurs within the Austin Public Health Department in the same job title within 90 days after the start date of the top candidate, the additional position may be offered to another top candidate from the same candidate pool. This may include filling other vacancies with the same job title in other division/work locations within the Austin Public Health Department. Decisions on assigned selection may be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation’s most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward‑thinking organization that values every employee.
- Make a Difference – Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest‑growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation – Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits – Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work‑life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security – Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options – Commute easily with access to public transit and bike‑friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness – Stay healthy through wellness programs, on‑site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth – Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces – Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7‑1‑1.
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