"Licensed Independent Social Worker, COM, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience"

Job Overview

As one of the oldest medical schools in the country, the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (COM) has a reputation for training best-in-class health care professionals and developing cutting-edge procedures and research that improves the health and clinical care of patients. In partnership with the UC Health academic healthcare system and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, College of Medicine’s faculty are transforming the world of medicine every day. The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience is a top-tier department with world-renowned faculty and staff. 

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati (UC), College of Medicine (COM) is seeking a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) to provide clinical mental health services as part of a triage and intake team in ambulatory psychiatry focusing on rapid risk assessment, triage, crises stabilization and post hospitalization stabilization bridge services. The LISW will provide assessment, treatment planning and therapies while meeting all standards of practice as required. This position will also provide focused social work services as needed.

Essential Functions

• Assist in developing Rapid Access Bridge Clinic for patients being discharged from inpatient psychiatry and Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES).
• Provide clinical assessment, crises stabilization and triaging services as part of the ambulatory psychiatry intake and triage team.
• Provide education and counseling to patients and families around issues related to adaptation to the patient's illness and/or life situation; may utilize crisis intervention, brief individual, group, and family therapies.
• Provide therapy through face-to-face sessions, via tele-medicine, or telephone conferencing.
• Collaborate with appropriate treatment team members in diagnostic formulation, treatment direction, and recommendations.
• Liaison with community agencies and referring partners.
• Manage department appointment schedules as appropriate.
• Ensure that patient care documentation is timely, legible, and efficient. Documentation should be concise, pertinent, and meet the profession's and department's documentation standards.
• Oral reporting should be clear, concise, relevant, and timely.
• Perform all required data collection for the department accurately and within the expected time frame.
• Participate in clinical supervision as needed on a scheduled basis.
• Maintain knowledge of and compliance with HIPAA policies, documentation guidelines, and other related regulatory requirements.
• Participate in departmental and outpatient Psychiatry meetings, quality improvement efforts, and make sure peer review standards are met.
• Provide education to other health care professionals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education

Master’s Degree must be in Social Work.

Required Trainings/Certifications

State of Ohio Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW).

Required Experience

Two (2) years of supervised social work experience.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits Link) Highlights include:

Comprehensive Tuition Remission
UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans
As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance
UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:
Vacation and sick time
11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)
6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities