Director of Social Work; Behavioral Health

Director of Social Work (Behavioral Health) About the job Director of Social Work (Behavioral Health)

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

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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
• 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
• Paid time off and holidays
• Supportive leadership team
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes