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.

Job Summary

The Inpatient Psychiatric Social Worker provides weekend coverage for Carroll Hospital’s inpatient psychiatric program, which consists of separate adult and adolescent units with a total capacity of 12 beds. The Social Worker delivers psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, care coordination, and discharge planning services for adult (18+) and adolescent (13–17) patients admitted for acute psychiatric, emotional, and behavioral conditions.

Working independently while collaborating with the on-site multidisciplinary team, the Social Worker ensures continuity of care, supports safe and timely discharges, and maintains compliance with Maryland regulations and The Joint Commission standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Weekend-Specific Clinical Workflow

• Provide independent social work coverage on weekends for adult and adolescent inpatient psychiatric units.
• Prioritize time-sensitive needs, including new admissions, discharge planning, crisis intervention, and placement barriers.
• Participate in weekend interdisciplinary rounds or treatment team huddles as scheduled.
• Serve as the primary social work resource for nursing, psychiatry, and unit staff during weekend shifts.

Clinical Assessment & Patient Support

• Complete psychosocial assessments for new admissions as indicated.
• Assess safety risks including suicidality, self-harm, aggression, abuse/neglect, and psychosocial stressors.
• Provide brief therapeutic support, crisis intervention, and patient/family education during acute hospitalization.
• Support both voluntary and involuntary admissions, including patient rights education.

Discharge Planning & Care Coordination

• Advance discharge planning for patients nearing discharge, including weekend discharges when appropriate.
• Coordinate aftercare services such as outpatient psychiatry, therapy, PHP/IOP, residential or crisis placements.
• Communicate with families, guardians, and community providers regarding discharge plans and barriers.
• Address weekend-specific barriers including placement availability, insurance authorization, and transportation.
• Ensure discharge plans reflect the least restrictive, clinically appropriate level of care.

Adolescent-Focused Responsibilities

• Collaborate with families/guardians regarding treatment progress and discharge planning.
• Support school and community reintegration planning as appropriate for weekend coverage.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete timely, accurate documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Ensure documentation meets Joint Commission standards, COMAR requirements, and hospital policies.
• Clearly document clinical readiness, barriers to discharge, and care coordination efforts.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s Degree in Social Work or Counseling from an accredited program
• Independent Maryland social work licensure

Preferred

• LCSW-C strongly preferred
• LCPC or LMSW considered with relevant inpatient psychiatric experience
• 2–4 years of inpatient psychiatry, acute care, or behavioral health experience preferred
• CPR (AHA Healthcare Provider) preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong clinical assessment and crisis intervention skills
• Ability to work independently in a weekend-only PRN role
• Experience with discharge planning and community resource coordination
• Excellent communication and documentation skills
• Strong organization and prioritization abilities in a fast-paced inpatient setting
• Professional judgment and patient-centered approach