Social Worker Senior/Inpatient/UKHC

U K Healthcare Ltd; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 37,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Social Worker at University of Kentucky provides medical social services to patients and families, collaborating with the RN Case Manager to develop discharge plans and coordinate care. It requires MSW and CSW licensure as part of the role, with strong crisis intervention and documentation skills.

Ideal candidates have hospital-based social work experience, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to work independently within a team.

Qualifications

• MSW required.
• Certified Social Worker (CSW) licensure or temporary permit.
• Experience in medical social work preferred.
• Strong crisis intervention and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical social services to inpatients and outpatients.
• Collaborate with RN Case Manager to formulate discharge plans and coordinate patient care.
• Perform psychosocial assessments for referred patients and in cases of abuse/neglect.
• Provide follow-up as needed to support patient and family outcomes.

Skills

Hospital social work experience

NASW guidelines

Strong communication skills

Independent worker

Education

MSW

CSW licensure or temporary permit

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title Social Worker Senior/Inpatient/UKHC

Requisition Number RE56153

Working Title Inpatient Social Worker, Sr.

Department Name H4019: Continuum of Care

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 11

Salary Range $27.05-45.70/hour

Type of Position Staff

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education

MSW

Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

None

Required License/Registration/Certification

Certified Social Work ( CSW ) or temporary permit through the Commonwealth of Kentucky Board of Social Work

Physical Requirements

This position requires occasionally sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time; and performing tasks with repetitive motions (such as typing); and standing or walking with objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Also involves some exposure to loud noises, temperature extremes, hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste, blood-borne or airborne pathogens, and combative/violent people.

Shift

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Occasional holiday shift may be required per departmental needs.

Job Summary

The Senior Social Worker provides medical social services to patients and families in cases where specific problems related to environmental and/or psychological aspects influence the effective inpatient or outpatient; works in tandem with the RN Case Manager to formulate and implement the patient’s discharge plan and assigned medical services. Provides psychosocial assessments for all consulted/referred patients and in situations of abuse and neglect of all age groups; provides follow-up as needed.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

The ideal candidate will possess hospital based social work experience and have Certified Social Worker ( CSW ) licensure; strong understanding of NASW guidelines, related to patient relationships and care; have direct patient care experience; have exceptional communication skills (written & verbal); enjoy working independently as well as closely with their co-workers in a supportive team environment; outstanding computer skills (to include Microsoft Office); above average customer service skills; and active listening skills. Additionally, candidate should be able to provide appropriate crisis intervention, emotional support, resource information, legal reporting, arrange case conferences, and facilitate bio-ethical consultations.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

A minimum of 3 years’ experience providing social services in a medical setting preferred; minimum of 1 year of experience in an acute medical setting highly preferred.

Deadline to Apply 10/26/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.