Social Worker Senior/Inpatient/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Social Worker at the University of Kentucky provides medical social services to patients and families, working with the RN Case Manager to plan discharge and coordinate care in inpatient settings, including PICU. Candidates should have CSW licensure and hospital experience, with strong communication and crisis intervention skills.

A minimum of 3 years in medical social work is preferred; 1 year in an acute medical setting is highly favored.

Qualifications

• MSW degree required and licensure to practice in Kentucky.
• Certified Social Worker (CSW) licensure required to work in Kentucky.
• 3+ years of hospital social work experience preferred; 1 year in acute care highly preferred.
• Strong communication, crisis intervention, and patient-family support skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical social services to patients and families in inpatient or outpatient settings.
• Collaborate with RN Case Manager to formulate and implement discharge plans.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments and address abuse/neglect cases as needed.
• Provide follow-up and crisis intervention, and coordinate with care teams.

Skills

CSW licensure

Hospital social work

Communication skills

Crisis intervention

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

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

Primarily working day shift covering social services needs throughout the hospital. Occasional holidays. This is a social work position, PEDS Inpatient Weekday 40 hours *PICU.

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?

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

Deadline to Apply 11/16/2026

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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a Master's of Social Work degree?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you possess a Certified Social Worker (CSW) License which will allow you to work in the state of Kentucky?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Describe any experience you have had providing social services in a medical setting.

  (Open Ended Question)

• • * How many years of paid work experience do you have providing social services in a medical setting?
    • None
    • More than 0, up through 1 year
    • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
    • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
    • More than 5 years