Director of Social Work
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Director of Social Work to lead the clinical social services department within a high-acuity inpatient behavioral health setting. This leadership role is responsible for supervising social work staff, ensuring quality patient care, overseeing treatment planning and discharge processes, and serving as a key member of the multidisciplinary leadership team.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong clinical background in inpatient behavioral health, proven leadership experience, and a passion for helping patients and families navigate the treatment and recovery process.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership & Staff Management
- Provide leadership, supervision, and ongoing support to Social Workers and clinical staff.
- Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and professional development activities.
- Ensure staff compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and payer requirements.
- Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and training new team members.
Patient Care & Treatment Planning
- Oversee psychosocial assessments, clinical documentation, and treatment planning processes.
- Ensure individualized treatment plans are developed, implemented, and reviewed in a timely manner.
- Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and clinical case reviews.
- Support crisis intervention efforts and complex patient care needs.
Family Engagement & Discharge Planning
- Coordinate family involvement in treatment when clinically appropriate.
- Facilitate or oversee family therapy services and patient support groups.
- Lead discharge planning efforts, community referrals, and continuity of care initiatives.
- Collaborate with outside providers and community resources to support successful patient outcomes.
Program Development & Compliance
- Assist in the development and enhancement of clinical programming.
- Monitor quality, performance improvement, and documentation standards.
- Participate in hospital committees and leadership initiatives.
- Maintain compliance with all state, federal, accreditation, and organizational requirements.
Community & Referral Relations
- Build and maintain professional relationships with referral sources and community partners.
- Participate in outreach, education, and community engagement efforts.
- Serve as a positive ambassador for the organization within the behavioral health community.
Qualifications Required
- Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)
- Active Ohio social work licensure (LSW, LISW, or eligible per state requirements)
- Minimum 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in a behavioral health setting
- Experience working with adult and/or geriatric psychiatric populations
- Strong knowledge of treatment planning, discharge planning, crisis intervention, and clinical documentation
Preferred
- Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
- Prior inpatient psychiatric hospital experience
- Experience supervising clinical teams in a high-acuity behavioral health environment
- Knowledge of regulatory, accreditation, and payer standards
Ideal Candidate Traits
- Strong clinical leadership skills
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Collaborative team player
- Passionate about patient advocacy and quality care
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced inpatient behavioral health environment
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive leadership team
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes