Social Worker II - Emergency Department

Akron Children's; Boardman Township (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Akron Children's Hospital seeks a Social Worker II to provide comprehensive psychosocial assessments and support to pediatric patients and families in the Emergency Department. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to address social, emotional, and environmental factors affecting care and outcomes.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally competent practice, advocacy for patient rights, discharge planning, and linkage to community resources, with a focus on coordinating care

Qualifications

• Proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) and ability to document social work activities.
• Strong skills in psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, and case management.
• Professional communication skills—written, verbal, and non-verbal—within a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of pediatric health conditions, family dynamics, and child development principles.
• Familiarity with healthcare systems, insurance processes, and community resources.
• Experience in trauma-informed care and behavioral health.
• Cultural competency in diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychosocial assessments of pediatric patients and families to identify needs and coping strategies.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, therapists, and other professionals to develop care plans and discharge strategies.
• Facilitate clear communication between the care team, patients, and families.
• Identify barriers to care and refer to community resources and services.
• Provide crisis intervention and support for trauma, grief, or distress.
• Advocate for patients' rights and coordinate referrals and resources.
• Document all interventions and outcomes per policy and standards.
• Participate in team meetings, conferences, and professional development.
• Maintain confidentiality and ethical practice per NASW Code of Ethics.

Skills

Psychosocial assessment

Crisis intervention

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Motivational interviewing

Cultural competence

Documentation

Education

Master's degree in social work

LSW licensure in Ohio

Tools

MS Office

EHR systems

Job description

Full-Time: 36 Hours Per Week

8am - 8:30pm

3-12 hour shifts per week

Variable Weekdays Including Weekend Rotation

Location: Emergency Department - Onsite

Summary

The Social Worker II applies graduate-level clinical social work skills to provide comprehensive psychosocial assessments and support services to patients and families/caregivers in the healthcare setting. This role collaborates closely as a member of multidisciplinary healthcare teams to address the social, emotional, and environmental factors affecting the health and well-being of patients. The Social Worker II advocates for patient-/family-centered care, facilitates access to community resources, and promotes positive health outcomes through a trauma-informed and culturally competent lens.

Responsibilities

• Conducts thorough psychosocial assessments of pediatric patients and families to identify strengths, challenges, and needs related to illness, treatment, and social environment. Supports development of coping strategies within the patient-family.
• Collaborates with physicians, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement comprehensive care plans. Assists in discharge planning, including arranging transportation, follow-up appointments, and resources needed to ensure ability to follow the care plan.
• Facilitates communication between the healthcare team, patients, and families to ensure understanding and support during the treatment process.
• Identifies and addresses barriers to care, including socioeconomic issues, housing, transportation, and access to community resources. Provides consultation, education, training to staff, patients, and families regarding psychosocial issues that impact the delivery of optimal health care services.
• Provides crisis intervention and support for patients and families experiencing trauma, grief, or emotional distress.
• Advocates for patients' rights and coordinates referrals to community services, educational programs, and financial assistance.
• Documents all social work interventions, assessments, and outcomes in accordance with healthcare facility policies and regulatory standards.
• Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and professional development activities.
• Maintains confidentiality and adheres to ethical standards as outlined by the NASW Code of Ethics and institutional policies.
• Other duties, as required.

Technical Expertise

• Proficiency in MS Office [Outlook, Excel, Word] or similar software. Experience with electronic health records and ability to maintain accurate records of social work activities.
• Strong skills in psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, and case management.
• Demonstrates professional, appropriate, effective, and tactful communication skills, including written, verbal and non-verbal. Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of pediatric health conditions, family dynamics, and child development principles.
• Familiarity with healthcare systems, insurance processes, and community resources.
• Experience in trauma-informed care and behavioral health.
• Cultural competency in diverse populations.

Education And Experience

• Education: Master's degree in social work from an accredited Social Work academic program is required.
• Licensure: Current, unrestricted licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Ohio is required.
• Certification: n/a
• Years of relevant experience: 2 years of experience working with pediatric populations, preferably in a healthcare or hospital setting, is preferred.
• Years of supervisory experience: n/a

Full Time

FTE: 0.900000

Status: Onsite