Hospital Social Worker Date Posted:

27 September 2026

Closing Date:

October 27, 2026

Recruiter:

Avera Health Location:

Pierre, South Dakota Salary:

USD67,000

to

USD78,000

Job Type & Industry:

Technology Risk Contract Type:

Permanent Job Reference:

2989953206-2 Apply for this job now Job Description Avera Health is seeking a compassionate Social Worker to join our Healthcare & Medical Services team. In this role, you will provide psychosocial assessments, care coordination, discharge planning, and resource referrals to support patients and families across our regional health system. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes, advocate for patient needs, and connect individuals with community services. Avera Health offers a collaborative, mission-driven environment that values compassion, hospitality, and stewardship, with strong support for professional growth and advancement within our healthcare network. Responsibilities Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for hospitalized patients and their families to identify social, emotional, financial, and environmental needs. Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized care and discharge plans in collaboration with physicians, nurses, therapists, and other members of the healthcare team. Provide crisis intervention, short-term counseling, and emotional support to patients and families coping with acute or chronic illness, trauma, grief, and end-of-life issues. Coordinate safe and appropriate discharge plans, including arranging home health services, rehabilitation, long-term care, transportation, and other community-based supports. Serve as a key liaison between the hospital, patients, families, and external agencies, ensuring effective communication and continuity of care across settings. Advocate for patients and families to ensure their preferences, rights, and cultural values are respected in care planning and decision-making. Connect patients and families with financial assistance programs, social services, support groups, and other community resources to reduce barriers to care. Document all assessments, interventions, and care plans accurately and timely in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in accordance with hospital and regulatory standards. Participate in interdisciplinary rounds, family meetings, and case conferences to provide social work input and support coordinated, patient-centered care. Identify patients at risk for readmission or poor outcomes and collaborate with the care team to develop proactive support and follow up plans. Provide education to patients, families, and staff on psychosocial issues, coping strategies, advance care planning, and community resources. Support Avera Health's mission and values by demonstrating compassion, hospitality, stewardship, and respect in all interactions. Engage in ongoing professional development, supervision, and competency training to maintain and enhance social work skills in the hospital setting. Contribute to quality improvement initiatives, data collection, and outcomes tracking related to social services and care transitions. Required Skills Clinical social work practice Psychosocial assessment Care planning and coordination Electronic Health Records (EHR) documentation Crisis intervention Discharge planning Knowledge of community resources Interdisciplinary team collaboration Motivational interviewing Case management Patient and family education Cultural competency in healthcare Risk and safety assessment Time management and prioritization Basic data collection and reporting