Social Worker LCSW-C-PRN

Summary


Who We Are:


LifeBridge Health is a dynamic, purpose-driven health system redefining care delivery across the mid-Atlantic and beyond, anchored by our mission to "improve the health of people in the communities we serve." Join us to advance health access, elevate patient experiences, and contribute to a system that values bold ideas and community-centered care.


*This position supports our Behavioral Health Team in the ED as an Emergency Dept. Psychiatric Evaluator.



Job Summary


Th e Emergency Department Psychiatric Evaluator provides timely psychiatric evaluations, crisis intervention, and level-of-care recommendations for adult and adolescent patients presenting to the Emergency Department with acute psychiatric, emotional, or behavioral concerns.


This PRN role supports Emergency Department operations by ensuring safe, appropriate dispositions for patients experiencing mental health crises, while maintaining compliance with Maryland law, EMTALA requirements, and The Joint Commission standards. The evaluator functions with a high degree of clinical independence and collaborates closely with ED physicians, psychiatry, nursing, social work, and community partners.



Essential Duties and Responsibilities



Psychiatric Evaluation & Risk Assessment

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations for patients presenting with suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, psychosis, mood disorders, substance-related crises, and behavioral disturbances.
• Perform suicide and violence risk assessments, including evaluation of intent, plan, means, protective factors, and acuity.
• Complete mental status examinations and assess psychosocial stressors, capacity, and safety risks.
• Evaluate adult and adolescent patients for appropriateness of inpatient admission, crisis stabilization, or outpatient disposition.

Crisis Intervention & ED Support

• Provide immediate crisis intervention and brief therapeutic support in a high-acuity Emergency Department environment.
• Assist ED staff with de-escalation strategies and safety planning when clinically appropriate.
• Support patients and families in understanding evaluation findings and recommended next steps.

Disposition Planning & Care Coordination

• Recommend appropriate level of care, including inpatient psychiatric admission, crisis bed placement, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, or outpatient follow-up.
• Coordinate with inpatient psychiatric units, crisis programs, and community providers to facilitate timely placement or discharge.
• Ensure safe discharges with documented safety planning and linkage to follow-up services.

Legal, Regulatory & Documentation Responsibilities

• Complete evaluations related to voluntary and involuntary psychiatric admissions, including Emergency Evaluations/Emergency Petitions as applicable under Maryland law.
• Educate patients on their rights and document legal status and disposition rationale clearly.
• Maintain compliance with EMTALA, COMAR regulations, hospital policies, and Joint Commission standards.
• Complete timely, accurate, and thorough documentation in the electronic medical record.

Collaboration & Professional Practice

• Communicate evaluation findings and recommendations clearly to ED providers, psychiatry, nursing, and social work.
• Serve as a behavioral health resource within the Emergency Department.
• Participate in quality improvement activities related to ED psychiatric care and patient flow as requested.

Qualifications



Required

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related behavioral health field from an accredited program
• Eligibility for Maryland licensure

Preferred

• LCSW-C strongly preferred
• LCPC considered with emergency or psychiatric experience
• Prior experience in emergency psychiatry, crisis services, or inpatient behavioral health preferred
• CPR (AHA Healthcare Provider) preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong psychiatric assessment and clinical decision-making skills
• Expertise in suicide risk assessment and crisis intervention
• Ability to work independently in a PRN role, including nights and weekends
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to make timely, defensible level-of-care recommendations
• Knowledge of community resources, crisis systems, and inpatient placement processes
• Professional judgment, flexibility, and resilience in a fast-paced Emergency Department setting