Social Worker LCSW-C-PRN

LifeBridge Health; Westminster (MD); On-site; USD 82,656,000 - 110,208,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive health plans

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A health system in the mid-Atlantic is seeking an Emergency Department Psychiatric Evaluator to conduct psychiatric evaluations and crisis interventions for patients in the Emergency Department. This position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively with medical staff to ensure appropriate care for patients experiencing mental health crises. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field and be eligible for Maryland licensure. Competitive compensation and professional development opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required, focusing on behavioral health.
• Must be eligible for licensure in Maryland.
• Experience in emergency psychiatry or crisis services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychiatric evaluations for patients in crisis.
• Provide crisis intervention and support within the Emergency Department.
• Coordinate care and recommend appropriate levels of treatment.

Skills

Psychiatric assessment

Crisis intervention

Clinical decision-making

Communication skills

Independent working

Education

Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field

Eligibility for Maryland licensure

Job description

Who We Are

LifeBridge Health is a dynamic, purpose-driven health system redefining care delivery across the mid-Atlantic and beyond, anchored by our mission to “improve the health of people in the communities we serve.” Join us to advance health access, elevate patient experiences, and contribute to a system that values bold ideas and community-centered care.

• This position supports our Behavioral Health Team in the ED as an Emergency Dept. Psychiatric Evaluator.

Job Summary

The Emergency Department Psychiatric Evaluator provides timely psychiatric evaluations, crisis intervention, and level-of-care recommendations for adult and adolescent patients presenting to the Emergency Department with acute psychiatric, emotional, or behavioral concerns. This PRN role supports Emergency Department operations by ensuring safe, appropriate dispositions for patients experiencing mental health crises, while maintaining compliance with Maryland law, EMTALA requirements, and The Joint Commission standards. The evaluator functions with a high degree of clinical independence and collaborates closely with ED physicians, psychiatry, nursing, social work, and community partners.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Psychiatric Evaluation & Risk Assessment

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations for patients presenting with suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, psychosis, mood disorders, substance-related crises, and behavioral disturbances.
• Perform suicide and violence risk assessments, including evaluation of intent, plan, means, protective factors, and acuity.
• Complete mental status examinations and assess psychosocial stressors, capacity, and safety risks.
• Evaluate adult and adolescent patients for appropriateness of inpatient admission, crisis stabilization, or outpatient disposition.

Crisis Intervention & ED Support

• Provide immediate crisis intervention and brief therapeutic support in a high-acuity Emergency Department environment.
• Assist ED staff with de-escalation strategies and safety planning when clinically appropriate.
• Support patients and families in understanding evaluation findings and recommended next steps.

Disposition Planning & Care Coordination

• Recommend appropriate level of care, including inpatient psychiatric admission, crisis bed placement, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, or outpatient follow-up.
• Coordinate with inpatient psychiatric units, crisis programs, and community providers to facilitate timely placement or discharge.
• Ensure safe discharges with documented safety planning and linkage to follow-up services.

Legal, Regulatory & Documentation Responsibilities

• Complete evaluations related to voluntary and involuntary psychiatric admissions, including Emergency Evaluations/Emergency Petitions as applicable under Maryland law.
• Educate patients on their rights and document legal status and disposition rationale clearly.
• Maintain compliance with EMTALA, COMAR regulations, hospital policies, and Joint Commission standards.
• Complete timely, accurate, and thorough documentation in the electronic medical record.

Collaboration & Professional Practice

• Communicate evaluation findings and recommendations clearly to ED providers, psychiatry, nursing, and social work.
• Serve as a behavioral health resource within the Emergency Department.
• Participate in quality improvement activities related to ED psychiatric care and patient flow as requested.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related behavioral health field from an accredited program.
• Eligibility for Maryland licensure.

Preferred

• LCSW-C strongly preferred.
• LCPC considered with emergency or psychiatric experience.
• Prior experience in emergency psychiatry, crisis services, or inpatient behavioral health preferred.
• CPR (AHA Healthcare Provider) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong psychiatric assessment and clinical decision-making skills.
• Expertise in suicide risk assessment and crisis intervention.
• Ability to work independently in a PRN role, including nights and weekends.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to make timely, defensible level-of-care recommendations.
• Knowledge of community resources, crisis systems, and inpatient placement processes.
• Professional judgment, flexibility, and resilience in a fast-paced Emergency Department setting.

Additional Information

What We Offer

Impact: Join a team that values innovation and outcomes, delivering life-saving care to our youngest and most vulnerable patients.

Growth: Opportunities for professional development, including tuition reimbursement and developing foundational skills for neonatal critical care leadership and advanced certification.

Support: A culture of collaboration with resources like unit-based practice councils and advanced clinical education support — improving both workflow efficiency and patient outcomes and allowing you to work at the top of your license.

Benefits: Competitive compensation (additional compensation such as overtime, shift differentials, premium pay, and bonuses may apply depending on job), comprehensive health plans, free parking, and wellness programs.

Why LifeBridge Health?

With over 14,000 employees, 130 care locations, and two million annual patient encounters, we combine strategic growth, innovation, and deep community commitment to deliver exceptional care anchored by five leading centers in the Baltimore region: Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Grace Medical Center, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, and Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital.

Our organization thrives on a culture of CARE BRAVELY—where compassion, courage, and urgency drive every decision, empowering teams to shape the future of healthcare.

Equal Opportunity Statement

LifeBridge Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. LifeBridge Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.