Social Worker - Behavioral Health

Join our Behavioral Health team and play a vital role in delivering high‑quality psychiatric and crisis services across our Emergency Department, medical floors and extends into ambulatory settings. This position provides comprehensive assessments, care coordination, and support for patients across the lifespan who are experiencing psychiatric, substance use, domestic violence, or abuse-related crises. You will work within a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment and may travel to other Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist sites to support Behavioral Health needs.

Essential Functions

Psychiatric Assessment & Crisis Evaluation

• Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments (MSE, psychiatric/substance use history, family history, suicide risk).
• Apply DSM‑V criteria and Illinois Mental Health Code in diagnostic decision‑making.
• Evaluate treatment needs for routine and specialty psychiatric populations.
• Formulate 5‑Axis diagnoses and initiate treatment plans.
• Determine psychosocial factors contributing to patient distress and dysfunctional behavior.
• Assess patient/family coping ability and community support systems.
• Assist with child abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic violence cases.

Care Coordination & Patient Throughput

• Facilitate transfers to/from state hospitals, outside hospitals, psych units, and medical floors.
• Verify insurance benefits and obtain pre‑authorizations.
• Travel to other Advocate sites as needed to coordinate care for Behavioral Health patients.
• Demonstrate initiative and teamwork to support unit flow and nursing staff.

Therapeutic Intervention & Patient Support

• Provide individual, family, and group therapy as needed.
• Educate and support patients and families to maximize treatment outcomes.
• Serve as an advocate for patient needs, including participation in court proceedings.
• Assist patients in managing their condition and utilizing community resources.

Discharge Planning & Community Liaison

• Collaborate with patients and families on aftercare needs and discharge planning.
• Serve as a liaison between the hospital and community agencies/resources.
• Participate in resource identification and referral coordination across psych and non‑psych units.

Treatment Planning & Documentation

• Develop individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings.
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation (assessment, progress, discharge notes).
• Identify patient/family strengths and integrate them into care planning.
• Update treatment plans based on interdisciplinary evaluations.

Team Collaboration & Program Development

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Provide consultation across psych and non‑psych departments.
• Contribute to development and evaluation of specialty programs.
• Maintain positive working relationships with medical staff and colleagues.

Professional Standards & Ongoing Development

• Adhere to NASW Code of Ethics, state regulations, and department standards.
• Participate in continuing education, staff training, and peer review.
• Stay current on legislation, regulations, and community programs.
• Provide educational presentations and in‑services when requested.

Education, Experience, & Licensure Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Social Work required .
• 1–3 years of clinical mental health experience required .
• Current NC LSW, LPC, or Clinical Psychologist license required .
• LCSW required within 1 year of employment (if not already held).
• Experience in Emergency Department behavioral health strongly preferred.
• Dual‑diagnosis assessment/treatment experience preferred.
• Additional training in family therapy beneficial.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong understanding of DSM‑V and North Carolina Mental Health Code.
• Skilled in therapeutic communication and crisis intervention.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Comfortable interacting with physicians and presenting clinical findings.
• Ability to manage fast‑paced environments and complex patient scenarios.
• Familiarity with universal precautions and safety practices.
• Ability to safely interact with potentially aggressive patients; may assist in restraints.