Position Overview

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Emergency Room Social Worker to provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and discharge planning for patients and families in a fast-paced ER setting. Responsibilities include conducting psychosocial assessments, coordinating care with the medical team, facilitating referrals to community resources, and supporting patients facing trauma, abuse, mental health issues, or substance use concerns.

At UHS, Every Connection Matters — we are committed to making every interaction count by delivering care with empathy, dignity, and respect. As an ER Social Worker, you'll play a vital role in helping patients navigate difficult moments while promoting recovery, resilience, and holistic well-being.

Primary Department, Division, or Unit:

Care Management, UHS Wilson Medical Center

Primary Work Shift:

Evening

Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours:

32

Compensation Range:

$30.58 - $45.86 per hour, depending on experience

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Job Responsibilities

• Participates and implements discharge planning activities for complex patients in order to ensure a timely discharge and to provide appropriate linkage with post-discharge care providers. Receives referrals for complex patient problem resolution from Care Mangers and other members of the healthcare team.

• Maintains accountability for the completion of the transition of the patient to the next level of care for assigned cases. Revises plan as needed. Updates patient/family as needed. Proactively identifies and resolves delays and obstacles to discharge in conjunction with Nurse Care Manager and Associate Care Manager.

• Maintains a working knowledge of financial reimbursement methodology for all payers to identify any financial risk/needs for acute care admission as well as post-discharge placement.

• Maintains knowledge of community resources and keeps a referral directory with updated information of available services and contact information.

• Assesses the patient’s and family’s psycho social risk factors through evaluation of prior functioning levels, appropriateness and adequacy of support systems, reaction to illness and ability to cope.

• Provides intervention and finds resolution for cases suspicious of adult/child abuse/neglect, domestic violence, sexual assault; requiring guardianship temporary/permanent, foster care, adoption, mental health placement, advance directives, child protection.

• Provides supportive counseling and crisis intervention counseling for patients and families as needed.

Position Requirements

Minimum Required:

• Masters in Social Work (MSW)
• Employee must passed NYS Licensing Exam within 6 months from hire date

Preferred:

• 3 years post graduate experience

• Employee must passed NYS Licensing Exam within 6 months from hire date

• NYS Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or limited permit (Note: Social Workers within the Clinics must have current NYS Social Work License; not a Limited Permit).

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Why You’ll Love Working at UHS

At United Health Services (UHS), we believe every connection—to patients, to purpose, to each other—makes a difference. That’s why we’re intentional about supporting our team in ways that go beyond the job. Whether through meaningful benefits, personal growth, or fun along the way, we’re here to help you thrive in work and life.

A Culture of Connection – We support each other like family and create space for every voice to be heard. Engagement Councils, peer recognition, and initiatives like Walk in my Shoes for senior leaders are just a few ways we foster belonging and collaboration. Outside of work, we stay connected through team events like trivia, trunk-or-treat, volunteer days, our staff choir, or seasonal celebrations.

Comprehensive Benefits for Life & Family – We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire for employees working 24+ hours/week. With flexible plan options and coverage tiers, you can choose what fits your life best. Additional perks include discounted childcare through Bright Horizons and voluntary benefits like pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection.

​Well-Being & Financial Security – From day one, PTO starts accruing so you can take time to recharge. We support your long-term wellness with a 403(b) retirement plan and company match, flexible spending accounts, access to financial advisors, and up to $400/year in wellness rewards. When life gets tough, we’re here with 24/7 EAP counseling, virtual mental health