Social Worker - Empath Part-Time Days

Company: MLK Community Healthcare
Location: Los Angeles
Posted on: February 19, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Job Description If you are interested, please apply online and send resume to Marismartinez@mlkch.org Please Note: Position is intended to be 12-hour Shifts POSITION SUMMARY The EmPATH Social Worker is a member of the multi-disciplinary team responsible for providing social work-related services to the adult population in the crisis stabilization unit. The Social Worker is responsible for the coordination of care of the patient by interfacing regularly with various members of the treatment team-Emergency Department providers, psychiatrist, program manager, clinical RNs and staff. The Social Worker provides assessment and case management services, including biopsychosocial and behavioral health assessments, treatment/discharge planning, group, individual and family therapy. They assist both patients and families to meet related social and emotional needs for psychiatric condition, treatment and recovery. Additionally, they assist with obtaining needed resources and coordinating discharge plans for patients in collaboration with physicians and other members of the multi-disciplinary. Expedites transition from acute care to the next level of care throughout the healthcare continuum and develop interventions if required. Maintains working knowledge of community resources and assists in obtaining needed resources. Maintains working knowledge of California Mental Health Law, Social Work scope of practice, current state requirements, mandated reporting, CMS Conditions of Participation, EMTALA, The Patient Bill of Rights, and other Federal or State regulatory agency requirements. Serves as subject matter expert and resource expert for mental health law related to the involuntary treatment of patients in the acute care hospital. This position requires full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the Mission of Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital. It is expected that the employee will demonstrate behavior consistent with the Core Values. The employee shall support Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital’s strategic plan and the goals and direction of the quality and performance improvement process activities. The Watson Model of Care is utilized throughout the delivery system of care services. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Is responsible for assessing, discharge planning, providing therapeutic care and delivering community resources to patients and/or their families in the crisis stabilization unit. Is part of the interdisciplinary team, responsible for rounding on patients to facilitate timely care/discharge; assure quality of care throughout the stay; and minimize adverse outcomes. Provides supportive counseling and crisis intervention to patients and/or families with challenging psychosocial issues. Is responsible for the timely reporting of suspected abuse and or/neglect to child and/or adult protective services. Prioritizes cases and responds to priority system appropriately. Documents all team, physician and patient/family communication and concerns pertaining to coordination of care and services. Adheres to departmental and hospital wide policies and procedures. Participates in the Quality and Performance Improvement Plan for the hospital, as it relates to the provision of social work services. Considers the patient population served, age-specific criteria and the Watson Model of Care in all patient/family care and interaction. Assists with the assessment and transfer of patients requiring inpatient psychiatric care including writing involuntary holds if deemed clinically appropriate. Adheres to MLKCH LPS MOU and appropriate involuntary hold policy as well as all applicable county and state laws regarding involuntary holds. Assists with training new hires. Acts as a subject matter expert regarding California LPS law and process. Maintains active Los Angeles County LPS Certification. Maintains accurate charting and required departmental tracking logs. Assists with the safe and appropriate discharge of homeless patients in compliance with SB1152. Other duties as assigned. Job Requirements POSITION REQUIREMENTS A. Education Master’s Degree in Social Work . B. Qualifications/Experience One year of hospital and/or mental health social work experience required. Care management experience preferred. Knowledge and understanding of evidence based clinical social work interventions. Knowledge of clinical operations and procedures. Able to navigate and connect successfully with outside provider networks (Health Plans, IPA’s, and FQHC’s). C. Special Skills/Knowledge Bilingual language skills preferred (Spanish) Basic computer skills Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) licensure preferred Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Certificate required (MLKCH designated). Must obtain within60 days of employment. Must complete annual Workplace Violence Prevention Program/Certificate, per hospital policy, during initial training/orientation but not to exceed 30 days from hire/transfer . LI-MM1

Keywords: MLK Community Healthcare, Covina , Social Worker - Empath Part-Time Days, Seasonal Jobs , Los Angeles, California