Social Worker Principal/UKHC

UK HealthCare; Kentucky; On-site; USD 68,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

UK HealthCare in Lexington, KY, is seeking a NICU Social Worker to partner with Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology. The role focuses on supporting families of hospitalized infants, assisting staff with family interactions, stress management, and emotional support.

Requires MSW and LCSW licensure, hospital social work experience, and strong communication skills. Typical schedule is Monday–Friday with possible extended hours as needed.

Qualifications

• Hospital social work experience preferred.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure required.
• Knowledge of NASW guidelines and patient relationships.
• Direct patient care experience and strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop partnership with Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology in the NICU.
• Assist NICU staff in family interactions and stress management for parents.
• Provide emotional support and resource information to families.

Skills

Communication skills

Active listening

Crisis intervention

Direct patient care

Independent & team work

Education

MSW

LCSW licensure

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title: Social Worker Principal/UKHC

Requisition Number: RE55550

Working Title: NICU Social Worker

Department Name: H4019: Continuum of Care

Work Location: Lexington, KY

Grade Level: 12

Salary Range: $67,516-111,634/year

Type of Position: Staff

Position Time Status: Full-Time

Required Education: MSW

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience: 3 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification: Licensed Clinical Social Worker ( LCSW )

Physical Requirements: Requires lifting, pushing or pulling objects up to 50 lbs and sitting and standing for long periods of time.

Shift: Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm; may include some evening and/or weekend work per departmental need.

Job Summary

The NICU is hiring a Principle Social Worker to develop a closer partnership with Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology in caring for the infants and their families in the NICU . The Principle Social Worker would be available to assist NICU staff in their interactions with families of infants on the NICU as well as directly work with parents as they manage the stress and uncertainty of their infant’s medical status and care.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

The ideal candidate will possess hospital based social work experience and have Licensed Clinical Social Worker ( LCSW ) licensure; strong understanding of NASW guidelines, related to patient relationships and care; have direct patient care experience; have exceptional communication skills (written & verbal); enjoy working independently as well as closely with their co-workers in a supportive team environment; outstanding computer skills (to include Microsoft Office); above average customer service skills; and active listening skills. Additionally, candidate should be able to provide appropriate crisis intervention, emotional support, resource information, legal reporting, arrange case conferences, and facilitate bio-ethical consultations.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

A minimum of 3 years’ experience providing social services in a medical setting preferred; minimum of 1 year of experience in an acute medical setting highly preferred.

Deadline to Apply

08/31/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status. Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.