Overview

Job Title: Social Worker - BSW / LBSW

Location: Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, IN

Shift: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Position Overview:

The Social Worker at Ball Memorial Hospital provides face-to-face assessments and support to patients and families, connecting them to vital social support programs, community resources, and healthcare services. This role involves interviewing patients and relatives to gather social histories relevant to medical conditions and care planning, addressing barriers that may impede effective healthcare utilization, and acting as a liaison among healthcare providers, outside agencies, and patients.

In addition, this position plays a crucial role in HIV case management through our Linkage to Care (LTC) program. The LTC component focuses on locating patients who have fallen out of HIV care, engaging them back into medical and social services, and collaborating with healthcare and community partners to improve health outcomes. The LTC team, based in Muncie with supporting staff in Bloomington and Lafayette, also completes specialized Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) training through the Indiana Department of Health to receive direct HIV referrals from the state.

This integrated role aims to promote effective care transitions, ensure social needs are met, and facilitate timely linkage to both general and specialized health services, including HIV care.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct face-to-face interviews with patients and families to assess social history, psychosocial needs, and barriers to care.

Assist patients in accessing social support programs, community resources, and healthcare services, addressing barriers to maximize their care benefits.

Serve as a liaison between medical/nursing staff, outside agencies, and patients/families to facilitate communication and support.

Provide solution-focused assistance related to medical and hospitalization needs, discharge planning, and resource development.

Identify patients requiring HIV care re-engagement; perform outreach and case management to locate and link out-of-care HIV-positive individuals back to medical and social services.

Collaborate with healthcare teams, community organizations, and public health agencies to coordinate comprehensive patient care.

Complete disease intervention and case management activities, including HIV-specific case work, and participate in the Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) training to support HIV referrals directly from the Indiana Department of Health.

Support patients experiencing social, emotional, and behavioral health challenges, including crisis intervention when necessary.

Maintain strong relationships with hospital staff, community partners, and public health entities to facilitate care coordination and resource sharing.

Document all interactions thoroughly in electronic medical records, ensuring compliance with privacy and legal standards.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW) required.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years in healthcare, social work, or related settings.

Licensure:

Permanent Indiana LBSW licensure required for all new hires effective October 5, 2025.

Incumbents prior to this date must obtain their LBSW licensure within 6 months of hire.

Incumbents with their LSW are required to maintain licensure.

Skills and Knowledge:

Strong assessment, resource development, and discharge planning skills.

Excellent communication, planning, and collaboration skills within multidisciplinary teams.

Knowledge of state and county adult and child protective legal mandates.

Understanding of growth and development across the lifespan.

Experience in adapting services to diverse populations geographically, culturally, and financially.

Computer literacy and proficiency in electronic medical records documentation.

Ability to perform outreach and case management activities specific to HIV care and familiar with disease intervention protocols.

Additional Details:

This position offers an excellent opportunity to combine traditional social work with specialized HIV case management, contributing to improved health outcomes and social stability for diverse patient populations. The role supports a collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.

Interested? Apply now to join our dedicated healthcare team, making a difference in patients' lives through comprehensive social support and case management.

To learn more about our benefits, visit: IU Health Benefits