Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Job Summary

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) provides comprehensive clinical social work services to patients and families at UC Davis Medical Center, supporting individuals experiencing complex medical, behavioral health, and psychosocial needs. Using advanced clinical assessment and judgment, the LCSW develops evidence-based, patient-centered interventions that consider each patient’s diagnosis, psychological and emotional functioning, cognitive and physical abilities, support system, living environment, and social determinants of health.

Clinical services include biopsychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, psychiatric diagnostic evaluation in accordance with current DSM guidelines, suicide risk assessment and safety planning, brief supportive counseling, mandated reporting, discharge planning, and patient and family education and support. Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team, the LCSW helps address emotional, social, environmental, and financial barriers to care while supporting safe transitions and continuity of care for patients experiencing acute, chronic, or terminal illness.

The LCSW practices in accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics, applicable state and federal regulations, and UC Davis Health policies and standards, maintaining a strong commitment to ethical, compassionate, and high-quality patient care.

Apply By Date: September 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to uploadalicense and/or certification if requiredforthe position.

• California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)- Must maintain valid LCSW licensure without restrictions from the California Board of Behavioral Science to maintain employment with UC Davis Health
• Masters Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work
• Current or recent direct social work services
• Proficient in basic computer skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly, concisely, and effectively convey complex clinical information
• Proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehending English, and collaborating effectively in diverse team environments
• Skillful in the appropriate use of medical terminology
• Capable of maintaining composure in high-pressure situations
• Committed to delivering excellence in patient care
• Demonstrates accountability and professionalism in all interactions
• Skilled in organizing multiple concurrent activities, setting realistic goals and objectives, planning effectively, and meeting deadlines while maintaining quality standards
• Adaptable to change in a positive, professional, and productive manner
• Proficient in conflict management and possesses strong advocacy skills
• Knowledgeable about the legal implications associated with clinical practice and documentation
• Understanding of individual, child, and family development, human behavior and communication, as well as the influence of culture and values in social work practice, psychotherapy, case management, and the intersection of social work and medicine
• Familiarity with reporting requirements for child abuse, elder abuse, and domestic violence, as well as significant legislation and laws regulating social work practice, including but not limited to Tarasoff and patient confidentiality
• Capable of making informed interventions based on legal standards and professional ethics
• Able to provide consultation, interpret clinical findings and diagnoses, and make recommendations regarding treatment, care, and disposition
• Demonstrates the ability to utilize clinical supervision to foster professional growth and critically assess clinical work
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to manage diverse information and responsibilities, and to rapidly evaluate complex issues to devise potential solutions
• Proficient in completing psychiatric and psychosocial assessments for pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations
• Knowledgeable about suicidal behavior, capable of assessing lethality, and skilled in developing appropriate safety plans in collaboration with patients and providing recommendations for follow-up care to patients and interdisciplinary teams
• Familiar with the legal requirements and guidelines for delivering psychiatric services, including appropriate use of the 5150 application
• Well-versed in the effective use of the current DSM manual
• Capable of assessing adjustment to illness and coping mechanisms, as well as providing brief counseling to individuals, families, and/or groups
• Equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience to address death, dying, and bereavement issues

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred specialty social work certification from an accredited organization such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), American Case Management Association (ACMA), etc.
• Recent experience within an acute medical hospital, mental health setting, and/or health care clinic

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Clinical Social Work Process and Practice
• 20% - Communication Skills
• 10% - Collaboration and Teamwork
• 10% - Advocacy

Department Overview

At UC Davis Health, the mission of the Department of Clinical Social Services is to provide compassionate, comprehensive, and high-quality clinical social services aimed at restoring and enhancing the biopsychosocial functioning of patients and their families. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) offer support to patients with conditions across the entire health continuum.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $56.54 - $74.62
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 145
• UC Job Title: CLIN LIC SOCIAL WORKER
• UC Job Code: 009306
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% Full-Time
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, with occasional weekend and holiday coverage.
• Location: Patient Support Services Bldg, Sacramento, CA
• Union Representation: HX-Healthcare Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources, and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial, and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting the UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High-quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees, including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employees’ lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to…