Social Worker-MSW Senior

Indiana University Health
Indianapolis, Indiana

Overview

Social Worker MSW-Senior
Location: Riley Hospital
Schedule: 3-12 hour shifts per week in the Emergency Department, rotating every other weekend
Join Our Emergency Department Team!
Are you a dedicated social worker with a passion for supporting patients and families through complex psychosocial challenges? Indiana University Health is seeking a Senior MSW to provide expert assessments, crisis intervention, and discharge planning in our Emergency Department. This role offers flexible shifts and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact during critical moments.
If you hold a Master's in Social Work and have experience in crisis intervention and supporting diverse populations, we encourage you to apply!
Position Overview:
The Senior MSW collaborates effectively with all members of the healthcare team to ensure patients receive safe, timely, and comprehensive services. You will interpret and communicate complex patient and family needs, serve as a role model for caring practices, and assess psychosocial risk factors through evaluation of prior functioning, support systems, and reactions to illness.
You will provide mental health assessments, support complex discharge planning, and serve as the primary point person for cases involving abuse, neglect, guardianship, foster care, and mental health placements. This role requires leadership in managing dangerous or high-risk situations using de-escalation techniques to prevent violence and support patients in crisis.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Effectively communicate and collaborate with healthcare teams to facilitate safe, timely patient care.
  • Assess the psychosocial, emotional, and financial needs of patients and families.
  • Counsel patients and families regarding the emotional, social, and financial impacts of illness/disability.
  • Access and mobilize community and family resources to meet patient needs.
  • Conduct mental health assessments upon physician referral and provide therapeutic interventions.
  • Facilitate complex discharge planning, guardianship, foster care, and adoption placements.
  • Serve as a point person and liaison with child and adult protective services, law enforcement, and community agencies.
  • Support patients through acute crises, utilizing de-escalation techniques to prevent violence.
  • Lead clinical interventions in dangerous or high-stress situations.
  • Address end-of-life, guardianship, foster care, and adoption needs as required.
Qualifications & Requirements:
  • Education: Master's Degree in Social Work required.
  • Licensure: Permanent LSW licensure required; LCSW preferred.
  • Certifications: De-escalation certification required within 6 months of hire.
  • Experience: 3-5 years preferred in mental health, child and family services, adult protective services, Veteran's Administration, or substance abuse.
  • Additional Skills & Knowledge:
    • Knowledge of disease impact, human behavior, and crisis intervention techniques.
    • Familiarity with legal mandates for child and adult protective services.
    • Principles of growth and development across the lifespan.
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
    • Experience working with geographically and financially diverse patient populations.
Join IU Health!
Become part of Indiana's largest healthcare system, dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality emergency care. We offer competitive pay, benefits, and a collaborative environment that values your expertise and professional growth.
For more information, visit: IU Health Benefits
Ready to support patients and families during their most critical moments?
Apply today to join IU Health as a Senior Social Worker (Shift) and be a vital part of our emergency care team!