Clinical Social Worker- Inpatient Surgery

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About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

External Candidates eligible for $5000.00 Commitment Bonus paid over 1 year

Job Summary

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is responsible for managing a designated caseload to support timely assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of discharge plans and care transitions across the continuum of care. This role ensures optimal utilization of patient and Health System resources while maintaining compliance with CMS guidelines and all applicable regulatory agencies. The LCSW provides care coordination, psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, and discharge planning to support safe, effective transitions of care.

Key Responsibilities

Care Coordination & Discharge Planning

• Complete comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs related to care transitions, psychosocial factors, support systems, and discharge planning.


• Develop and implement individualized discharge plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary care team.


• Coordinate arrangements for Home Health, DME, Transportation, Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) or Acute Rehab placement, Substance Abuse Treatment, and outpatient follow-up appointments.


• Provide patient and family education on benefits, community resources, and discharge processes.


• Maintain effective communication with physicians, nursing, Utilization Management, and other partners to support safe, efficient care transitions.

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all work is completed in accordance with CMS regulations and external review agency requirements.


• Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations, benefits, reimbursement guidelines, and discharge planning standards.


• Document assessments, interventions, and discharge plans in a timely manner per departmental guidelines.


• Prepare reports and maintain required records as requested.

Inpatient Case Management Responsibilities

• Complete initial psychosocial assessment within 72 hours, including evaluation of strengths, needs, and support systems.


• Engage with patient support systems to understand dynamics and care needs.


• Conduct family/support system therapy sessions to promote healthy functioning and successful community living.


• Facilitate patient skill‑building groups and assist in developing individualized safety plans.


• Collaborate with the treatment team to assess discharge needs and provide insight into family/support functioning.


• Participate in multidisciplinary rounds and update InterQual.


• Typical caseload: ~10 patients.

Consult/Liaison Responsibilities

• Complete behavioral health assessments in the Emergency Department and inpatient medical units to determine level of care and discharge needs.


• Provide secondary support for discharge planning for patients receiving treatment primarily for medical conditions.


• Conduct crisis assessments addressing presenting concerns, symptom severity, treatment engagement, safety, history, supports, and psychiatric diagnostic impressions.


• Plan post‑discharge psychiatric follow‑up or referral to appropriate next‑level facilities.


• Manage tracking of IVC paperwork for patients awaiting psychiatric facility transfer.


• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide psychosocial insights and discharge planning recommendations.


• Update InterQual for observation or other non-medical-treatment patients.


• Expected workload: approximately 3 initial assessments plus discharge planning for up to 6 patients per 8‑hour shift (adjusted for pediatric cases).


• Serve as a community liaison for one mental health workgroup.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work effectively in a self‑directed, autonomous role.


• Strong critical thinking and complex problem‑solving abilities.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.


• Basic computer proficiency.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant clinical or healthcare experience.

Licensure/Certification

• Current North Carolina licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) through the NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board.


• Consult/Liaison roles also require Notary certification.