Department
BSD PSY - Clinical Social Work

Job Summary
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to provide high-quality, client-centered therapeutic services. The LCSW will deliver primarily brief, focused, evidence-based interventions to individuals and groups, with opportunities to provide longer-term therapy as appropriate. Responsibilities include assessing client needs, developing individualized treatment plans, providing therapeutic interventions, monitoring progress, and supporting clients in addressing immediate concerns and achieving measurable goals. The ideal candidate is adaptable, collaborative, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical, effective, and compassionate clinical care.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments and diagnostic evaluations to identify patients' behavioral health, emotional, psychological, and psychosocial needs, including urgent and crisis assessments.

• Provide goal-focused, evidence-based, time-limited individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy, with opportunities for longer-term therapy when clinically appropriate.

• Develop individualized treatment and care plans in collaboration with patients, establishing measurable goals and interventions that address identified clinical needs.

• Monitor, evaluate, and document patient progress toward treatment goals and modify treatment interventions and plans as clinically indicated.

• Provide crisis intervention and stabilization services, including assessment of safety and risk, appropriate clinical intervention, and referral to higher levels of care or community resources when needed.

• Coordinate care with psychiatrists, physicians, nursing staff, case managers, and other interdisciplinary team members to support comprehensive, integrated patient care.

• Facilitate referrals to appropriate community resources and support services, including housing, financial assistance, legal services, employment, education, and other resources that promote recovery and stability.

• Maintain timely, accurate, and clinically appropriate electronic health records, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, risk assessments, and other required documentation.

• Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound clinical judgment and discretion when managing sensitive patient information and situations in accordance with HIPAA, ethical standards, and applicable laws and regulations.

• Interpret and apply federal and state laws, regulations, professional standards, Code of Ethics, and organizational policies and procedures governing clinical social work practice.

• Participate in clinical, interdisciplinary, and administrative staff meetings as appropriate to support patient care, team communication, and unit operations.

• Provide clinical supervision and mentorship to social work trainees, interns, or other learners as assigned and appropriate to scope of practice.

• Manage a full-time caseloadwhile maintaining quality of care, timely documentation, and appropriate follow-up.

• Support continuity of care by coordinating transitions, referrals, and follow-up services based on patient needs and treatment goals.
• Interprets, monitors, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.
• Analyzes potential problems in home or work environments of clients.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW).

Experience:

• Working for a large complex healthcare organization.
• Experience with Adult patient population.
• Experience in a fast-paced outpatient, community, or clinical setting.
• Experience with crisis intervention and trauma-informed care.

Licenses and Certifications:

• LCSW Illinois licensure or license eligible.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, code of ethics, policies, and procedures as related to social work.

Preferred Competencies

• Proficiency in brief therapeutic approaches such evidence-based modalities.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage clients and build trust quickly.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Ability to work independently and manage a caseload efficiently.

• Knowledge of mental health diagnoses, treatment modalities, and ethical practices.

• Ability to maintain accurate and thorough clinical documentation.

• Knowledge of diverse populations and cultural competence in delivering therapy.

• Experience with crisis intervention and trauma-informed care.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, Code of Ethics, policies, and procedures as related to social work.

Working Conditions

• Health clinics and hospital setting.
• Primarily office-based clinical work.
• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
• Frequent use of electronic health records and office equipment.
• Frequent communication with patients and staff.
• Occasional standing and walking.
• May respond to urgent or crisis situations.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
Healthcare & Medical Services

Role Impact
Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Drug Test Required
Yes

Health Screen Required
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$80,000.00 - $110,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
In addition to the base pay posted above, this position may be eligible for In addition to the base pay posted above, this position may be eligible for Department's incentive compensation plan based on clinical productivity performance. The clinical incentive is paid once a year and is based on prior year performance by RVU's