Location: Merced, CA

Start Date: 03-30-2026

End Date: 06-29-2026

Contract Type: Travel Contract

Shift Type: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (occasional weekends), Day shift

Hours per Week: 40

Candidate Pay Rate: $74 per hour

About United Health Care Staffing

At United Health Care Staffing (UHC Staffing), we believe healthcare staffing should be more than just finding a job. We are here to connect amazing professionals with opportunities that make their careers exciting, rewarding, and meaningful. With us, you're not just signing up for a contract you are joining a team that's got your back, answers your calls, and maybe even cracks a joke or two to brighten your day. Think of us as the travel buddy who handles the logistics while you focus on what you do best helping people heal.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and develop individualized care plans
• Coordinate discharge planning and connect patients with community resources and follow-up services
• Provide crisis intervention and support to patients and families during acute care episodes
• Document interventions, care plans and outcomes thoroughly in the Cerner charting system
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams — nursing, medical providers and case management — to achieve optimal patient outcomes
• Advocate for patient needs and support transitions of care to reduce readmissions
• Educate patients and families about resources, benefits and care options in a compassionate, culturally sensitive way
• Participate in unit-based meetings and quality improvement initiatives to enhance social work services

Qualifications

• Master of Social Work (MSW) required
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred
• BLS (AHA) certification required
• Minimum 2 years of relevant social work experience, preferably in acute care
• Experience with CommonSpirit / Dignity Health clinical environments is required
• Proven experience with Cerner or similar electronic health record systems
• Active state social work license as required, and ability to submit license documentation
• Candidates must reside at least 50 miles from the facility; no local candidates per job policy
• Cannot have been permanent staff or per diem at this facility within the last 12 months

Education

• Master of Social Work (MSW) — required
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) — preferred

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong clinical assessment and care planning skills
• Excellent crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Familiarity with discharge planning, community resources and benefits coordination
• Competent and timely documentation in Cerner
• Clear, compassionate verbal and written communication with patients, families and care teams
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced acute care setting
• Cultural humility and patient-centered advocacy

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision options to keep you healthy
• Retirement savings plan with employer match to help you plan ahead
• Paid time off so you can recharge and come back strong
• Housing support options and travel assistance for contract team members
• Licensure assistance and CE reimbursement to support your professional growth
• Access to employee assistance programs and wellness resources
• A collaborative, values-driven team that puts patients and clinicians first
• Referral recognition program — bring great people, get recognized

Travel Perks: Explore Merced, CA

Merced sits in California's scenic Central Valley and is a great hub for weekend escapes and local exploration. Enjoy strolls and picnic spots at Lake Yosemite and Applegate Park, visit the family-friendly Applegate Park Zoo, or explore local museums and community events. Outdoor lovers can take weekend trips toward the Sierra Nevada foothills and Yosemite National Park for hiking, waterfalls and stunning vistas. You’ll also find farmers markets, local wineries in nearby areas, cozy cafes and regional dining that showcase Central Valley flavors — plenty to do after your shift.

Hashtags

#SocialWorkerJobs #MercedCAJobs #HealthcareJobs #TravelSocialWork #CernerJobs #UHCCareers #MSWJobs #LCSWPreferred #AcuteCareSocialWork #HospitalCareers