Department
BSD PSY - Clinical Social Work
About the Department
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago has a longstanding commitment to excellence in clinical care, education, and research. Its faculty bring expertise across the psychiatric subspecialties and in behavioral neuroscience, with a shared focus on advancing the understanding and treatment of mental illness.
Research within the Department is broad and multidisciplinary, spanning clinical, translational, and neuroscience research. Areas of expertise include anxiety and mood disorders, autism spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, dementia and cognitive disorders, eating and weight disorders, including obesity, substance use disorders, and impulse control and related disorders. This work is carried out through established research programs, including the Center for Psychiatric Genetics, the Human Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, the Addictive, Compulsive and Impulsive Disorders Research Program, and the Eating Disorders Research Program. Many faculty hold appointments in the University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, and the Department supports NIH-funded T32 training programs in eating disorders and in addictions. Faculty also examine developmental and other factors that influence mental health and treatment response, using approaches such as neuroimaging, genetics and genomics, human behavioral pharmacology, behavioral research, and clinical investigation. Together, these efforts support the Department’s mission to advance psychiatric knowledge, educate the next generation of clinicians and scientists, and improve outcomes for individuals affected by mental illness.
Job Summary
This position provides compassionate, patient-centered clinical social work support to individuals and families navigating chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses, with a particular focus on patients receiving hematology/oncology care. The LCSW assesses and addresses the emotional, psychological, social, and practical challenges associated with diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care. Services include providing individual and group psychotherapy, supportive counseling, patient and family education, and assistance with coping, adjustment, and care planning. The LCSW also provides support and guidance to family caregivers, facilitates communication among patients, families, and healthcare providers, and connects individuals with appropriate medical, behavioral health, community, and supportive resources. The position requires sound clinical judgment, strong interdisciplinary collaboration, and the ability to provide compassionate support throughout the continuum of care.
Responsibilities
- Provide compassionate, evidence-based clinical social work services to adolescents and young adults (ages 15-39), addressing a broad range of emotional, behavioral, psychological, and psychosocial concerns in the context of acute, hematological/oncological medical conditions.
- Conduct comprehensive clinical diagnostic evaluations and psychosocial assessments to identify patient needs, establish appropriate diagnoses, and develop individualized treatment recommendations.
- Provide urgent-care and crisis assessments, including evaluation of safety and risk, crisis intervention, stabilization, safety planning, and referrals to appropriate levels of care when indicated.
- Provide goal-focused, evidence-based, and time-limited individual and group psychotherapy tailored to the developmental needs and unique experiences of adolescents and young adults.
- Utilize therapeutic interventions that support emotional regulation, coping skills, resilience, adjustment, interpersonal relationships, identity development, and overall mental health and well-being.
- Develop individualized treatment and care plans in collaboration with patients, establishing measurable goals and interventions based on identified clinical needs.
- Monitor, evaluate, and document patient progress toward established treatment goals and modify interventions as clinically appropriate.
- Maintain timely, accurate, and complete electronic clinical documentation, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, crisis evaluations, and referrals.
- Exercise sound clinical judgment, discretion, and professionalism when managing sensitive, complex, or potentially high-risk situations while maintaining strict confidentiality.
- Coordinate care with physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team to promote continuity and quality of care.
- Assess patients’ psychosocial needs and connect patients and families with appropriate community and institutional resources, including behavioral health services, financial assistance, housing, legal resources, employment, education, and other supportive services.
- Maintain knowledge of and comply with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, professional standards, Social Work Code of Ethics, and organizational policies and procedures governing clinical social work practice.
- Provide clinical supervision, consultation, and mentorship to social work trainees, interns, or other learners as assigned and appropriate to scope of practice.
- Participate in clinical, interdisciplinary, and administrative meetings as appropriate to support patient care, communication, and program development.
- Advocate for patients and families and assist them in navigating healthcare and community systems to promote access to appropriate services and support.
- 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
Experience
- Working for a large complex healthcare organization.
- Clinical experience with Adolescent & Young Adult (i.e., up to age 39) patients presenting with psychiatric and medical comorbidities.
- Psychotherapy experience.
- 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
- Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary medical team.
- Interest and/or experience working with patients who have medical complexities (ideally hematology/oncology conditions).
- Interactive communication.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Develop reports and maintain records.
- Exercise discretion and confidentiality while handling sensitive situations.
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
