Social Worker - Contingent

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is seeking an Inpatient Psychiatric Social Worker to support adult and adolescent patients with severe psychological issues. This role involves collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to deliver patient care, conducting psychosocial assessments, and developing treatment plans. Candidates must have a Master’s degree in Social Work or a related field, valid Ohio licensure, and experience with mental health assessments. Weekend and holiday work is required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and valid licensure in Ohio (LSW or LPC) required.
• Eligibility for independent licensure preferred.
• Experience with mental illness and substance disorders required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of patients and collaborate with treatment team.
• Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments.
• Develop personalized treatment plans and provide crisis interventions.

Skills

Mental health assessments

Crisis intervention

Case management

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work or related field

Valid Ohio licensure (LSW or LPC)

Job description

Scope of Position

Inpatient Psychiatric Social Worker at Wexner Medical Center and OSU Harding Hospital supports adult and adolescent patients admitted to psychiatric inpatient units who are experiencing severe or dangerous psychological and/or behavioral issues. The role functions as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team, providing patient care and supportive services that promote successful outcomes, maximize patient participation in care plans, reduce length of stay, and lower costs.

Services include 24‑hour crisis care, inpatient care, outpatient services, ECT, TMS, and partial hospitalization. The social worker provides psychosocial assessment, treatment planning, counseling, crisis intervention, and patient/family education and may assist with discharge planning to facilitate transition to community‑based care.

Position Summary

The Inpatient Psychiatric Social Worker maintains a caseload of patients, collaborates closely with psychiatrists, nurses, PCRMs, and other treatment team members, and applies DSM‑5 and ICD‑10 standards to conduct comprehensive mental health and substance‑use assessments. Responsibilities also include evidence‑based suicide, crisis, and risk assessments; developing personalized treatment plans; facilitating intervention and group sessions; providing crisis interventions; and offering case‑management services such as linking patients and families to transportation, financial, legal, and community resources.

The role serves populations with varied clinical, religious, and cultural needs and strives to maximize patients’ potential for healthy coping responses. Weekend and holiday work is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Professional Counseling, or related field and valid Ohio licensure (LSW or LPC) required.
• Eligibility for future independent licensure required; independent licensure (LISW or LPCC) preferred.
• Pre‑ or post‑Master’s training and experience working with patients with mental illness and/or substance disorder required; internship experience considered.
• Experience with mental health and crisis assessments, case management, and evidence‑based psychosocial interventions preferred.
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays.

Additional Information

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical exam may be required during the post‑offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.