Social Worker

Social Worker – SUD / Behavioral Health

LSWAIC, LASW, LICSW, or equivalent state licensure required!

Job Summary:

Heartwood Extended Health Care in Tacoma, Washington is seeking a Social Worker – SUD / Behavioral Health to assess, plan, coordinate, and provide services for residents with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and behavioral challenges. This position supports residents' psychosocial well-being through recovery-focused care, crisis intervention, care coordination, discharge planning, and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. The Social Worker ensures compliance with federal and state regulations while promoting resident safety, dignity, recovery, and quality of life.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial, mental health, and substance use assessments upon admission and as needed.
• Identify behavioral health needs, including substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and psychosocial risk factors.
• Develop, implement, and update individualized care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team (IDT).
• Participate in care plan meetings and ensure behavioral health and SUD interventions are integrated into care delivery.
• Provide counseling, crisis intervention, and supportive services to residents with substance use and behavioral health needs.
• Implement harm reduction strategies and recovery-oriented care approaches.
• Support Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) coordination when applicable.
• Monitor residents for behavioral changes, relapse risk, or mental health concerns and intervene appropriately.
• Coordinate referrals to community resources, including outpatient treatment, counseling, housing, and support services.
• Collaborate with physicians, nursing staff, therapy services, and external providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Develop and implement safe discharge plans addressing behavioral health and substance use needs.
• Provide education and counseling to residents and families regarding substance use, mental health, coping strategies, and available resources.
• Facilitate family meetings and support systems to enhance resident outcomes.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in accordance with CMS, state regulations, and facility policies.
• Participate in surveys, audits, quality reviews, and Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives.
• Identify trends related to behavioral incidents, substance use concerns, and psychosocial outcomes and assist in developing interventions to improve resident safety and well-being.
  
  
  

Education, Licensure, & Experience Requirements:

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW).
• Current state licensure (LSWAIC, LASW, LICSW, or equivalent depending on state requirements).
• Minimum one (1) to two (2) years of experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, healthcare, or long-term care settings.
  
  
  

Preferred:

• Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW).
• Experience working with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Experience in skilled nursing or long-term care settings.
• Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP/SUDPT) credential or equivalent.
• Training in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and/or crisis intervention.
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of substance use disorders, mental health diagnoses, recovery models, and behavioral health interventions.
• Strong crisis intervention, de-escalation, counseling, and care coordination skills.
• Ability to work effectively with residents experiencing complex behavioral health and co-occurring conditions.
• Knowledge of community resources and discharge planning processes.
• Excellent communication, documentation, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with residents, families, interdisciplinary teams, and community providers.
  
  
  

Benefit Highlights:

• Competitive Wages
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
  
  
  

Heartwood Extended Health Care

1649 72nd St E, Tacoma, WA 98404, USA

Evergreen Healthcare Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

2026 AHCA Bronze Quality Award Recipient

Join a team recognized nationally for its commitment to quality care, leadership development, and continuous improvement.