Clinical Psych Social Worker (PRN Weekends and Weekday evenings)
Children's National Hospital
Summary
Responsible for social work practice under the supervision of a licensed independent clinical social worker, providing psychiatric and/or psychosocial assessments to children and adolescents who present in the Emergency Room and/or Inpatient Psychiatry Unit. Provides, under supervision, evaluation and assessment using DSM V criteria to determine risk and need for hospitalization and/or case disposition. Provides collaborative consultation to meet diagnostic and treatment needs. Obtains medical consultation from the psychiatrist on call to determine case disposition. The Clinical Psychiatric social worker with either a LGSW or LICSW will provide safety assessments in the ED of children and adolescents with mental health problems. In concert with the Attending Psychiatrist, will determine if the child/adolescent is safe to go home or needs hospitalization.
Job description
About the Role
Responsible for social work practice under the supervision of a licensed independent clinical social worker, providing psychiatric and/or psychosocial assessments to children and adolescents who present in the Emergency Room and/or Inpatient Psychiatry Unit. Provides, under supervision, evaluation and assessment using DSM V criteria to determine risk and need for hospitalization and/or case disposition. Provides collaborative consultation to meet diagnostic and treatment needs. Obtains medical consultation from the psychiatrist on call to determine case disposition. The Clinical Psychiatric social worker with either a LGSW or LICSW will provide safety assessments in the ED of children and adolescents with mental health problems. In concert with the Attending Psychiatrist, will determine if the child/adolescent is safe to go home or needs hospitalization.
Functional Accountabilities
Diagnostic Assessment
- Able to evaluate patient status including assessing for suicidality/homicidality in conjunction with attending physician
- Completes social histories and psychosocial assessments for the medical record, on an ongoing basis
- Able to appropriately triage patient to correct services
- Able to display competency when interviewing family members for the purpose of assessment and developing an intervention plan
Multidisciplinary Interventions
- Educates staff about psychosocial issues impacting patient
- Participates in daily rounds for the purposes of treatment planning and discharge
- Is a liaison with CFSA social worker to determine additional needs of the children and families and plan for discharge
- Plans with the treatment team and utilization management staff the most appropriate discharge plan
Family Therapy
- Utilizes a theoretical framework for the focus of the family intervention
- Able to encourage positive communication among family members
- Recognizes progress and obstacles towards treatment goals and appropriately intervenes
Documentation
Completes required documents of the assessment in a clear, concise, and timely manner.
Linkage Services / Case Management
- Knowledgeable about community resources/placements for children and families to assist in the attainment of treatment goals
- Communicate with outside agencies on the behalf of the patient to ensure continuity of care and treatment progress
Requirements
- Master's Degree in Social Work
- Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) license required
- LCSW or LICSW preferred
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to relate to diverse patient populations
- Time and attendance are vital
- Ability to assess for suicidality/homicidality
- Ability to complete social histories and psychosocial assessments
- Ability to triage patients to correct services
- Ability to interview family members for assessment and intervention planning
- Knowledge of community resources/placements for children and families
Benefits
- Medical, Prescription, Infertility & Transgender Health
- Paid Time Off
- Vacation Accrual
- Sick Leave
- Holidays
- Personal Day
- 401(k) Plan
- Healthcare & Dependent Care Spending Accounts
- Employer-Paid Life, AD&D, LTD
- Tuition Assistance
- Fitness Resources
- Employee Assistance Program
- Commuter Benefits
Company overview
Children's National Hospital is a premier pediatric healthcare institution located in Washington, D.C., recognized as one of the top children's hospitals in the United States. Founded in 1870, it serves as the region's primary pediatric academic medical center, providing comprehensive care across all pediatric specialties. The hospital operates a 323-bed facility and offers advanced medical services including neonatal intensive care, pediatric surgery, oncology, cardiology, and neurology. As an academic medical center affiliated with the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Children's National is deeply involved in pediatric research, medical education, and clinical innovation. The institution is particularly renowned for its Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation and its leadership in pediatric genomics and precision medicine. Children's National consistently ranks among the top pediatric hospitals nationally, with specialties in cancer, cardiology, neurology, and neonatology receiving particular recognition for excellence in patient care and outcomes.