Social Work Counselor

The Social Work Counselor role supports the Social Work department, which helps patients, families, and caregivers navigate the emotional and practical challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis. The team focuses on reducing psychosocial barriers to care through comprehensive support and intervention. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention.

As a Social Work Counselor, you will provide direct support and counseling across the care continuum. This position plays a vital role in ensuring patients receive timely, compassionate care that aligns with treatment goals. The Social Work Counselor collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

The ideal candidate has at least one year of social work experience, preferably in an oncology setting, along with demonstrated competency in biopsychosocial assessment, counseling, and resource navigation. A background in managing complex emotional, social, and practical needs is highly beneficial.

Salary
Minimum $77,000 - Midpoint $97,000 - Maximum $116,500
The typical work schedule Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm. Work Location: Onsite (Texas Medical Center)

Why Us?
Joining MD Anderson as a Social Work Counselor allows you to make a meaningful impact on patient care while building your clinical expertise in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. This role supports career growth, stability, and work-life balance through comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Responsibilities

Patient Assessment & Counseling
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments using appropriate diagnostic criteria
• Recommend, facilitate, and implement interventions aligned with treatment plans
• Provide individual, family, and group counseling across the disease trajectory
• Support end-of-life, survivorship, and bereavement needs

Care Coordination
• Participate in continuity of care and discharge planning
• Facilitate advance care planning with patients and caregivers
• Link patients to internal and external resources to reduce barriers to care

Documentation & Compliance
• Document all patient care activities within the institutional electronic health record
• Ensure documentation aligns with departmental and institutional policies

Collaboration
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team to support treatment compliance
• Communicate patient needs and progress effectively to care team members

Other Duties
• Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION

• Required: Master's Degree Social Work (MSW or MSSW) from an accredited program approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: None
• Preferred: Experience working in hospital and with oncology patients.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Required: LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker State of Texas. Upon Hire or
• Required: LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Wrkr State of Texas. Upon Hire

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.