Social Worker - Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic

The Social Worker in the Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic provides comprehensive social assessment, counseling, care coordination, and advocacy for pediatric and adult patients with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other craniofacial conditions. This position functions as a core member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team within an academic medical center and supports patients and families across the lifespan. The role emphasizes family-centered care, health equity, education, and empowerment.

In-person. 15 hours/week.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical Social Work Services: 34%

• Provide social assessments and ongoing support to patients and families receiving care in the cleft and craniofacial clinic.
• Support patients and families during key developmental and care transitions, including early childhood, adolescence, and transition to adult care.

• Assessment and therapy during prenatal and perinatal period.

Care Coordination and Advocacy: 33%

• Assist families in navigating healthcare systems, insurance coverage, financial resources, transportation, lodging, and community support services.
• Advocate for patients and families within healthcare, educational, and community systems, including collaboration with schools regarding IEPs and 504 plans.

• Work closely with cleft clinic nurse coordinator to promote coordinated, patient-centered care.

Multidisciplinary Team Participation: 33%

• Participate in team clinics, case conferences, and interdisciplinary planning meetings.

• Collaborate with surgeons, speech-language pathologists, orthodontists, psychologists, nurses, and other providers to address holistic patient needs.

Education and Program Support

• Educate patients and families about available institutional and community resources.
• Contribute to education of trainees, healthcare professionals, and community partners regarding socioeconomic aspects of craniofacial conditions.

• Support clinic quality improvement initiatives, program development, and community engagement efforts as assigned.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in the electronic health record.
• Adhere to University policies, ethical standards, and state licensure requirements.
• Participate in required trainings and professional development activities.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Social Work plus at least two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years.
• Current Minnesota social work licensure (LSW, LISW, or LICSW) or eligibility for licensure at time of hire.
• Experience providing social work services to children and families in a healthcare or clinical setting.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and advocacy skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
• Experience in pediatric specialty care, craniofacial, surgical, or chronic illness settings.
• Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and family systems.
• Experience addressing school-based concerns, bullying, and psychosocial adjustment.
• Familiarity with community resources, public assistance programs, and healthcare systems.

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is the state's only dental school and the only dental school in the northern tier of states between Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. The School of Dentistry advances health through scientific discovery, innovative education, and the highest quality care for all communities. Our impact extends beyond dental offices to classrooms and clinics throughout the region. We educate dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental educators, and research scientists.

Pay Range: $40/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Required application materials: resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.