Social Worker - Contingent

Scope of Position

Inpatient Psychiatric Social Worker at Wexner Medical Center and OSU Harding Hospital supports adult and adolescent patients admitted to psychiatric inpatient units who are experiencing severe or dangerous psychological and/or behavioral issues. The role functions as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team, providing patient care and supportive services that promote successful outcomes, maximize patient participation in care plans, reduce length of stay, and lower costs.

Services include 24‑hour crisis care, inpatient care, outpatient services, ECT, TMS, and partial hospitalization. The social worker provides psychosocial assessment, treatment planning, counseling, crisis intervention, and patient/family education and may assist with discharge planning to facilitate transition to community‑based care.

The Inpatient Psychiatric Social Worker maintains a caseload of patients, collaborates closely with psychiatrists, nurses, PCRMs, and other treatment team members, and applies DSM‑5 and ICD‑10 standards to conduct comprehensive mental health and substance‑use assessments. Responsibilities also include evidence‑based suicide, crisis, and risk assessments; developing personalized treatment plans; facilitating intervention and group sessions; providing crisis interventions; and offering case‑management services such as linking patients and families to transportation, financial, legal, and community resources.

The role serves populations with varied clinical, religious, and cultural needs and strives to maximize patients’ potential for healthy coping responses. Weekend and holiday work is required.

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Professional Counseling, or related field and valid Ohio licensure (LSW or LPC) required.
• Eligibility for future independent licensure required; independent licensure (LISW or LPCC) preferred.
• Pre‑ or post‑Master’s training and experience working with patients with mental illness and/or substance disorder required; internship experience considered.
• Experience with mental health and crisis assessments, case management, and evidence‑based psychosocial interventions preferred.
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical exam may be required during the post‑offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.