University of Washington·Seattle, Washington
The Social Work Assistant partners with the healthcare team to facilitate patient discharge planning and coordinate long-term care placements. They also assist patients and families in accessing essential resources such as housing, transportation, and financial assistance programs.
The UW Medical Center-Northwest Social Work Department has an outstanding opportunity for a Social Work Assistant. WORK SCHEDULE Per Diem Variable Day Shifts (including weekends and holidays) and an 8-hour day shift (0800-1630). All shifts are on-site. POSITION HIGHLIGHTS Partner with Social Workers (SW), Nurse Care Coordinators (NCCs), patients, their families and the health care team to address patients' progression of care Assist the SW and NCC team in the coordination of the discharge planning process for patients PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Facilitate the placement of patients in long term care facilities based on data obtained from clinical staff. Assist the SW/NCC in arranging for home care needs, such as referrals to home health, hospice, in-home services or procurement of home Wound VAC. Assist with safe transition of patient to home or other facilities, including locating outpatient non-institutional settings (respite, shelter, housing, etc.) Assist the patient/family with emergency needs for resources such as emergency funds, food vouchers, and transportation subsidies. Accept and act on referrals from SW/NCCs in a timely manner, keeping the SW/NCC informed of progress on the case, documenting in the EMR per department standards, and ensuring that handoffs to all parties are clear and timely. Assist the SW/NCCs in identifying, researching, explaining and arranging resources for families. Resources include, but are not limited to, transportation, housing, financial assistance, and safety net programs. Under the direction of the SW/NCC, prepare letters and documents to assist families in obtaining benefits. Copy/fax/mail documents as required. Perform other clerical duties as required. Provide notary public services to patients and staff. Strong candidates will have a minimum 3 years healthcare support services experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are a must, as well as the ability to organize and prioritize work and handle a fluctuating workload. The person hired into this position must be able to work cooperatively with staff, physicians, patients, families and the community. REQUIRED POSITION QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor of Social Work or a Bachelor’s Degree in the behavioral sciences AND two years experience in the social work field. OR an Associate of Arts Degree in the behavioral sciences AND four years of work experience in the social work field Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration. ABOUT UW MEDICAL CENTER-NORTHWEST UW Medical Center is an acute care hospital located in Seattle with two campuses: Montlake and Northwest. As the No. 1 hospital in Seattle and Washington State since 2012 (U.S. News & World Report) and nationally ranked in six specialties, UW Medical Center prides itself on compassionate patient care as well as its pioneering medical advances. The UW Medical Center–Northwest campus offers emergency and inpatient and outpatient medical, surgical, and therapeutic care. It is located in north Seattle on a beautiful, easy-to-access 44-acre campus that includes the neighboring Northwest Outpatient Medical Center and Specialty Care Meridian Pavilion. Teamwork. Community. Opportunity. ABOUT UW MEDICINE – WHERE YOUR IMPACT GOES FURTHER UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals. All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest. Become part of our team. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community. Compensation, Benefits and
SEIU 1199NW UWMC Northwest Service and Maintenance About the UW Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. Our Commitment The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in social work or behavioral sciences with two years of experience, or an Associate's degree with four years of experience. Strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced healthcare environment are required.
Market context
Washington healthcare employers often seek social work assistants to help coordinate patient support, discharge planning, and referrals, so demand tends to follow hospital, clinic, and community care needs. These roles are competitive because employers usually want a mix of education, experience, and strong communication and organization in a fast-paced setting. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page, then compare your background to the degree-and-experience options before applying.