Social Worker-MSW Senior

Indiana University Health
Indianapolis, Indiana

Overview

Social Worker MSW-Senior
Location: Riley Hospital
Schedule: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, rotating day (6 a.m. - 6 p.m.) and night shifts (6 p.m. - 6 a.m.) each week
Join Our Dedicated Emergency Department Team!
Are you an experienced social worker with a passion for supporting patients and families through complex psychosocial challenges? Indiana University Health is seeking a Senior MSW to provide critical mental health assessments, crisis intervention, and discharge planning in our Emergency Department (ED) during night shifts. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a difference during high-stakes moments.
If you hold a Master's in Social Work and are committed to compassionate, trauma-informed care, we encourage you to apply!
Position Overview:
The Senior MSW collaborates effectively with all members of the healthcare team to ensure patients receive timely, safe, 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 involves leadership in crisis situations, utilizing de-escalation techniques to prevent episodes of violence and support high-risk patients.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Communicate and collaborate with healthcare teams to facilitate safe, timely patient care.
  • Assess psychosocial, emotional, and financial needs of patients and families.
  • Counsel patients and families regarding the emotional and social 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, including using 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.
    • Understanding of 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 diverse patient populations, geographically and financially.
Join IU Health!
Become part of Indiana's largest healthcare system dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care. We offer competitive pay, benefits, and a collaborative environment that supports your professional growth.
For more information, visit: IU Health Benefits
Ready to make a difference during critical moments?
Apply now to join IU Health as a Senior Social Worker (Nights) and help patients and families navigate their most vulnerable times with expert support and compassion!