Entry Level Inpatient Social Worker Jobs
New grad inpatient social worker jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong field placement, internship, or clinical hours record can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services and Education, with employers like Penn State Health, Boys Town, and UT Southwestern Medical Center hiring at this level now.
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With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report (Opens in a new window), we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you’ll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!
JOB SUMMARY
The social worker Care Coordinator is a member of the Care Coordination Department (a Hospital department) who educates the healthcare team and physicians about psychosocial issues and any identified patient/family problems as well as strategies to address the issues. Applies specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in assessment, treatment, planning, implementation and evaluation, case management, mediation, counseling, supportive counseling, direct practice, information and referral, supervision, consultation, education, research, advocacy, community organization and developing, implementing and administering policies, programs and activities. This position will not apply specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions and addictions, including severe mental illness and serious emotional disturbances in adults, adolescents, and children. This position integrates national standards for case management scope of services including: Care Coordination- A process whereby screening/identification, assessment, planning, sequencing of care and communication, when effectively integrated, ensure and advance the plan of care to support successful transitions. Compliance- Knowledge related to federal, state, local hospital and accreditation requirements that impact scope of services to include, Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Condition of Participation. Transition Management- Planning that begins at the time of the initial patient encounter (preadmission, admission, emergency department, etc.) and is reevaluated and adjusted throughout the patient’s hospital stay. Care Coordinators (both SW and RN) will arrange/ensure all elements of the transition plan are implemented and communicated to key stakeholders including, but not limited to, the health care team, patient/family/ caregiver, and post-acute providers. Care Coordinators will convey all necessary information for continuity of care and patient safety, verify receipt and provide a venue for additional questions and/or information requests/needs
BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:
- PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
- 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
- Paid Time Off, available day one
- Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
- Paid Parental Leave Benefit
- Wellness programs
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required
- Licenses and Certifications
(LMSW) LIC MASTER SOCIAL WORKER licensed in the state of Texas.
Preferred
- Experience
2 years hospital experience
JOB DUTIES
- Screens and evaluates high risk patients for discharge planning needs. Consults with attending physicians and members of the healthcare team regarding any identified psychosocial issues and/or care transition barriers.
- Recognizes that the transiton process is collaborative with the multidisciplinary team to include the patient/family and assists with executing the plans and interventions to facilitate the hospital stay and manage length of stay and reassesses as care needs change.
- Facilitates patient care conferences as indicated, to include complex cases to proactively assist with establishing a safe and effective discharge plan.
- Implements the transition of care plan to the next level through appropriate service referrls and assures that the patient is given choice in regards to agencies and services.
- Assists with adoptions, abuse and neglect cases, including assessment and investigation, intervention and referral as appropriate to local, state, and/or federal agencies, as indicated.
- Educates and provides information and resources to patients and families regarding the availability of community resources. Interprets patient and family needs and provides information concerning availability and limitation of resources.
- Maintains open communications with community agencies to appropriately assist in referring and meeting patient needs.
- Maintains knowledge of payor benefits, hospital and community resources, and regulatory standards to ensure informed decision making, continuity of care, and desired outcomes (i.e. medical, medical cost, quality of life, and patient satisfaction).
- Maintains chronological notes, clinical charts, statistical data, or case histories for each patient with respect to social problems, adjustments for patient and family involvement, and actions taken or planned.
- Duties performed may include one or more of the following core functions: (a) Directly interacting with or caring for patients; (b) Directly interacting with or caring for human-subjects research participants; (c) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting patient records (including patient financial records); or (d) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting human-subjects research records.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT
Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report (Opens in a new window), we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you’ll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!
JOB SUMMARY
The social worker Care Coordinator is a member of the Care Coordination Department (a Hospital department) who educates the healthcare team and physicians about psychosocial issues and any identified patient/family problems as well as strategies to address the issues. Applies specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in assessment, treatment, planning, implementation and evaluation, case management, mediation, counseling, supportive counseling, direct practice, information and referral, supervision, consultation, education, research, advocacy, community organization and developing, implementing and administering policies, programs and activities. This position will not apply specialized clinical knowledge and advanced clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions and addictions, including severe mental illness and serious emotional disturbances in adults, adolescents, and children. This position integrates national standards for case management scope of services including: Care Coordination- A process whereby screening/identification, assessment, planning, sequencing of care and communication, when effectively integrated, ensure and advance the plan of care to support successful transitions. Compliance- Knowledge related to federal, state, local hospital and accreditation requirements that impact scope of services to include, Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Condition of Participation. Transition Management- Planning that begins at the time of the initial patient encounter (preadmission, admission, emergency department, etc.) and is reevaluated and adjusted throughout the patient’s hospital stay. Care Coordinators (both SW and RN) will arrange/ensure all elements of the transition plan are implemented and communicated to key stakeholders including, but not limited to, the health care team, patient/family/ caregiver, and post-acute providers. Care Coordinators will convey all necessary information for continuity of care and patient safety, verify receipt and provide a venue for additional questions and/or information requests/needs
BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:
- PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
- 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
- Paid Time Off, available day one
- Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
- Paid Parental Leave Benefit
- Wellness programs
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required
- Licenses and Certifications
(LMSW) LIC MASTER SOCIAL WORKER licensed in the state of Texas.
Preferred
- Experience
2 years hospital experience
JOB DUTIES
- Screens and evaluates high risk patients for discharge planning needs. Consults with attending physicians and members of the healthcare team regarding any identified psychosocial issues and/or care transition barriers.
- Recognizes that the transiton process is collaborative with the multidisciplinary team to include the patient/family and assists with executing the plans and interventions to facilitate the hospital stay and manage length of stay and reassesses as care needs change.
- Facilitates patient care conferences as indicated, to include complex cases to proactively assist with establishing a safe and effective discharge plan.
- Implements the transition of care plan to the next level through appropriate service referrls and assures that the patient is given choice in regards to agencies and services.
- Assists with adoptions, abuse and neglect cases, including assessment and investigation, intervention and referral as appropriate to local, state, and/or federal agencies, as indicated.
- Educates and provides information and resources to patients and families regarding the availability of community resources. Interprets patient and family needs and provides information concerning availability and limitation of resources.
- Maintains open communications with community agencies to appropriately assist in referring and meeting patient needs.
- Maintains knowledge of payor benefits, hospital and community resources, and regulatory standards to ensure informed decision making, continuity of care, and desired outcomes (i.e. medical, medical cost, quality of life, and patient satisfaction).
- Maintains chronological notes, clinical charts, statistical data, or case histories for each patient with respect to social problems, adjustments for patient and family involvement, and actions taken or planned.
- Duties performed may include one or more of the following core functions: (a) Directly interacting with or caring for patients; (b) Directly interacting with or caring for human-subjects research participants; (c) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting patient records (including patient financial records); or (d) Regularly maintaining, modifying, releasing or similarly affecting human-subjects research records.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT
Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
See All 6 Entry Level Inpatient Social Worker Jobs
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Entry Level Inpatient Social Worker Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level inpatient social worker job?
Employers hiring at this level look for completed fieldwork or supervised clinical hours, a relevant degree in social work or a closely related field, and familiarity with patient assessment tools used in hospital or behavioral health settings. Highlighting internship placements, case management experience from practicums, and any licensure progress, such as working toward an LMSW or LCSW, gives entry level candidates a clear edge over those with only coursework.
Which companies hire entry level inpatient social workers?
Companies hiring entry level inpatient social workers right now include Penn State Health, Boys Town, and UT Southwestern Medical Center, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this stage, hospital systems, behavioral health networks, and nonprofit healthcare organizations tend to post the most roles that explicitly welcome new and junior candidates.
Are these new grad inpatient social worker jobs?
Yes, the listings on this page include new grad, recent graduate, and junior inpatient social worker roles. A posting is generally new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internship or practicum hours toward the requirement, or accepts a portfolio of supervised case work in place of post-graduation employment history. If you are a new grad, look for postings that mention field placement or supervised hours as qualifying experience.
Which industries hire the most entry level inpatient social workers?
Entry Level inpatient social worker roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services and Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at the entry level because they operate high patient-volume settings that require consistent discharge planning, crisis intervention, and care coordination support, functions that are well suited to candidates building their clinical experience.