Social Worker

Company: Optum
Location: Tempe
Posted on: February 23, 2026

Job Description:

For those who want to invent the future of health care, here's your opportunity. We're going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. Position in this function is responsible for coordinating social services for Optum Arizona employed and network members. Collaborates with the accountable employed PCP or Network Provider to ensure a quality patient experience through fostering a caring culture that demonstrates excellent customer service while achieving Optum Arizona strategic financial goals and population management goals. Collaborates with healthcare delivery stakeholders and members in managing social services needs within the community. Develops individualized care plans that optimize the psychosocial and financial factors impacting transitions of care. Acts as a resource for the member and the health care delivery team in the outpatient setting, identifying and managing referrals to community resources. Ensures appropriate standards of care are implemented and in compliance with all state and federal regulations, standards of practice, corporate policies and procedures. Collaborates with multi-disciplinary team to ensure appropriate care planning and referral processing for all members referred to the program. Primary Responsibilities: - Foster a workplace culture that is consistent with the overall organizations' and that emphasizes the identified mission, vision, guiding principles, and values of the organization - Provide patient care (direct and indirect) with exemplary customer service to internal and external customers - Assist with the coordination of patient care under the guidance of the primary care provider, act as liaison in person or by telephone for health plan - Identify, Assist, Coordinate and initiate referrals for social service programs including; financial, psychosocial, community and state supportive services - Duties include but not limited to formulation and management social service plan of care throughout the continuum of care as a single point of contact for outpatient social services; documents all member assessments and services provided in the electronic medical record including referrals to social service programs and follow-up documentation to ensure referral was received by the social services agency - Participate in team meetings as is dictated by designated area of responsibility - Responsible to contact patient and/or caregiver to initiate plan of care within three business days for routine referrals; 2-business day for ASAP referrals and one business day for Urgent referrals - Subject matter expert to include but not limited to community resourcing - Maintain, facilitate and promote department protocols, processes, policies and standards to include but not limited to the following: new and existing patient management and other specialty specific protocols as signed by department head or designee - Other duties as assigned You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in. Required Qualifications: - Master's degree in Social Work - Unrestricted State of Arizona Social Work license or eligibility for immediate provisional license - Ability to complete BLS within 60 days of employment - 2 years of related social work experience in an acute care setting, clinic, home health or case management setting - Working knowledge of the following: - Social work theory/ practice, ability to utilize a variety of diagnostic tools/ techniques including DSM V - State and community based programs, including rules and regulations applicable to these programs - Advanced directives, POLST and legal regulations, including but not limited to reporting of abuse - Ability to be an excellent self-starter - Proven good communication skills, excellent phone etiquette and customer service skills - Demonstrated ability to build and maintain community resource database - Proven basic computer skills to include Word, Excel, and windows based applications and worked with electronic medical records - Valid Arizona driver's license, auto insurance and a motor vehicle in good working condition Preferred Qualifications: - Proven understanding of managed care Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $60,200 to $107,400 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission. OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Keywords: Optum, Glendale , Social Worker, Healthcare , Tempe, Arizona