Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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 upload a license and/or certification if required for the 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 free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Inpatient hospital social worker.
• Must be able to work variable hours, which include occasional overtime, flexible hours, and weekend and holiday shifts, to meet the operational needs of the Clinical Social Services department
• Must adhere to policies and procedures and adapt easily to changes to workflow, work standards, work practices, and work assignments because of advancements in technology, healthcare coverage changes, new/revised regulatory requirements, and new social work practice standards and programs
• Must work effectively within a stressful, sometimes hazardous environment with rapidly changing priorities and deadlines.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position.

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere #CA-ZM #LI-SM3

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks