Social Worker - Palliative Care - Lourdes Hospital

Mercy Health

Mercy Health

United States · Kentucky, USA · paducah, ky, usa · Lone Oak, TX, USA

Posted on May 21, 2026

Mercy Health

About us

As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Mercy Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. Mercy Health seeks people that are committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.

Advanced Social Worker – Lourdes Hospital

Job Summary:

The Advanced Social Worker is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities navigate life’s challenges by providing high-level support, resources, and advocacy to patients facing complex physical, mental and emotional challenges. This role involves using specialized knowledge in clinical social work to assess patient needs, develop personalized plans, offer counseling, and collaborate with other professionals to ensure comprehensive care. Advanced Social Workers may work across a variety of settings, with a focus on empowering patients and advocating for their well-being. Advanced Social Workers provide direct patient care under the guidance of a designated healthcare professional in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, and within policies, procedures, and guidelines of the organization. May provide clinical role consultation and collaboration.

Essential Functions:

  • Evaluates patient’s needs, situations, and support networks to identify goals and develop individualized care plans. Develops and implements advanced intervention strategies and treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs, especially for complex patient populations in specialized areas.
  • Provides emotional support, guidance, education and counseling, using evidence-based techniques, to help patients cope with challenges and adjust to changes
  • Manages cases, tracks progress, and identifies and refers patients to community agencies, such as mental health resources, substance abuse treatment, and housing assistance.
  • Represents patients' interests, advocates for resources, and addresses systemic barriers.
  • Responds to crisis situations, providing immediate support, and connecting patients with appropriate resources.
  • Works with other professionals, such as providers, therapists, and clinical staff, to coordinate care as part of the multidisciplinary care team

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Education:

  • Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) (required)

Required Licensing & Certifications:

  • ​ Licensed as a Social Worker (LSW) in state of practice (required)
  • Licensed as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in state of practice or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) (preferred)

Experience:

  • ​​​2 years in social or human services setting, including direct practice, assessment, and treatment planning, including clinical and internship experience. (required)

Skills & Abilities:

Hard/Tech/Clinical Skills:

Debriefing

Motivational interviewing

Patient Centered care

Care planning

Performing medical and safety screenings

Technology proficiency

Documentation

Basic data analytics

Soft/Interpersonal Skills:

​​​​​Working within an interdisciplinary team

De-escalation

Collaboration with community organizations

Virtual interaction

Training:

None

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer

  • Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
  • Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
  • Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
  • Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com