Behavioral Health Social Worker

Job Description

Job Description

Setting : Acute Inpatient Behavioral Health Hospital
Schedule : Full-Time, Monday–Friday (No Weekends)
Work Location : In Person

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Social Worker is a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team responsible for providing social work services to adult patients receiving acute inpatient psychiatric care. Responsibilities include psychosocial assessment, treatment and discharge planning, patient and family/support engagement, coordination with community providers, and clinical documentation in accordance with hospital policy, professional standards, and applicable regulatory and licensure requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited school/program of social work.

• Current, valid New Jersey social work license as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). New graduates are welcome to apply.

• Newly licensed professionals who meet New Jersey licensure requirements are welcome to apply.

• Behavioral health, psychiatric, or other relevant clinical experience preferred.

• Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary healthcare team.

• Ability to complete required documentation accurately and within established timeframes.

Clinical supervision toward LCSW licensure requirements is available for eligible LSWs in accordance with applicable New Jersey requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete psychosocial assessments for assigned patients in accordance with hospital policy and applicable professional and regulatory standards.

• Develop and coordinate individualized discharge and disposition plans based on each patient’s assessed clinical and psychosocial needs.

• Engage family members and other identified community supports, as clinically appropriate and consistent with applicable confidentiality and consent requirements.

• Provide family/support sessions, as clinically appropriate, including education and support related to psychiatric hospitalization, treatment, aftercare, and discharge planning.

• Obtain collateral information from family members, community supports, outpatient providers, and other relevant sources as authorized and clinically appropriate.

• Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and treatment team meetings to communicate psychosocial findings, patient progress, barriers to discharge, and recommended interventions.

• Collaborate with psychiatrists, nursing, utilization review, and other clinical disciplines to support coordinated patient care and progression toward discharge.

• Coordinate with outpatient providers, community agencies, and other external organizations to facilitate continuity of care and appropriate post-discharge services.

• Participate in applicable mental health court proceedings and related processes, including preparation of required documentation and testimony when required and within the employee’s professional role.

• Complete timely, accurate, and clinically appropriate documentation in the electronic health record in accordance with Northbrook Behavioral Health Hospital policies, professional standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Participate in Social Work Department meetings, education, competency activities, and other hospital-required training.

• Complete all mandatory hospital education, infection prevention and control requirements, and annual competencies.

• Obtain and maintain required crisis prevention, de-escalation, and safety training/certification, including Handle With Care, as required by the hospital.

• Maintain professional licensure and comply with applicable professional, ethical, hospital, and regulatory requirements.

• Perform other duties consistent with the employee’s education, licensure, competency, and assigned role.

Benefits

• 401(k)

• 401(k) matching

• Health insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Paid time off

Schedule

• Full-time (Monday-Friday)

• 8-hour shift

• In-person