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Social Work Inpatient Care Manager

Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA, United States


Overview
At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be.

Comprehensive health benefits that start day 1

Student loan repayment assistance & reimbursement programs

Family‑focused benefits

Wellness incentives

Ongoing mentorship, development, and leadership programs

Description
The Social Work Care Manager I (SW CM I) is responsible for patient care coordination from admission through discharge. The role ensures smooth transitions of care, facilitates high‑quality clinical and cost outcomes, secures post‑acute services, and advocates for patients and families with both internal and external stakeholders.

The SW CM begins care coordination at admission by completing a thorough admission or psychosocial assessment to capture information and develop a discharge plan. As an integral part of the interdisciplinary team, the SW CM attends rounds, care conferences, and team meetings to balance patient and family preferences with care coordination needs.

The SW CM identifies suitable post‑acute services, completes timely referrals, and coordinates with patients, families, and providers. Through continuous assessment, the SW CM applies critical thinking to ensure service alignment as patients progress. The SW CM, as a representative of both the hospital care team and the patient/family, plans and implements the best care plan while considering limitations, preferences, and projected length of stay.

The SW CM identifies and addresses barriers to care planning, reduces unnecessary length of stay, and participates in strategy development. Escalated cases are appropriately forwarded to management, Physician Advisor, Complex Care team, and/or Ethics committee.

Educational responsibilities include informing patients/families and the care team about post‑acute services, transitions of care, readmission mitigation, appropriate level of care choices, and available resources. The SW CM provides supportive and therapeutic communication for patients, families, and loved ones experiencing anxiety or stress. The SW CM responds to suspected violent, assault, abuse, or neglect cases following professional ethics.

Collaboration with Utilization Review is essential; the SW CM initiates discussions with payors to reduce non‑covered, non‑authorized, or denied services. The SW CM serves as a resource for interpreting external regulations and organizational policies related to discharge planning and care coordination, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Effective communication is required— the SW CM must convey information confidently, effectively, and therapeutically while maintaining a favorable impression of the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited institution.

Preferred: 1 year recent healthcare experience; experience in Acute Care setting preferred.

Working knowledge of software/EMR applications; ACM or CCM preferred.

Must meet all quality and productivity expectations and complete yearly competencies.

Physical Requirements
Medium (max 25 lbs): Up to 25 lbs (0–33% of the work day); 11–25 lbs (34–66%); 0–10 lbs (67–100%). Lifting up to 25 lbs, carrying objects up to 25 lbs. Frequent standing, walking, occasional sitting, close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing). Physical demands may vary by work area and tasks.

Environmental Factors
Environmental exposures may vary: blood‑borne pathogens, bio‑hazardous waste, chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors, communicable diseases, electrical shock, floor surfaces, temperature extremes, indoor/outdoor conditions, latex, lighting, patient care injuries, radiation. Shift work and travel may be required. Personal protective equipment, including respirators, may be used.

EEO Statement
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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