Director of Social Work (Behavioral Health)

Director of Social Work

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Director of Social Work to lead the clinical social services department within a high-acuity inpatient behavioral health setting. This leadership role is responsible for supervising social work staff, ensuring quality patient care, overseeing treatment planning and discharge processes, and serving as a key member of the multidisciplinary leadership team.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong clinical background in inpatient behavioral health, proven leadership experience, and a passion for helping patients and families navigate the treatment and recovery process.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Staff Management

• Provide leadership, supervision, and ongoing support to Social Workers and clinical staff.
• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and professional development activities.
• Ensure staff compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and payer requirements.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and training new team members.

Patient Care & Treatment Planning

• Oversee psychosocial assessments, clinical documentation, and treatment planning processes.
• Ensure individualized treatment plans are developed, implemented, and reviewed in a timely manner.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and clinical case reviews.
• Support crisis intervention efforts and complex patient care needs.

Family Engagement & Discharge Planning

• Coordinate family involvement in treatment when clinically appropriate.
• Facilitate or oversee family therapy services and patient support groups.
• Lead discharge planning efforts, community referrals, and continuity of care initiatives.
• Collaborate with outside providers and community resources to support successful patient outcomes.

Program Development & Compliance

• Assist in the development and enhancement of clinical programming.
• Monitor quality, performance improvement, and documentation standards.
• Participate in hospital committees and leadership initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with all state, federal, accreditation, and organizational requirements.

Community & Referral Relations

• Build and maintain professional relationships with referral sources and community partners.
• Participate in outreach, education, and community engagement efforts.
• Serve as a positive ambassador for the organization within the behavioral health community.

Qualifications Required

• Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)
• Active Ohio social work licensure (LSW, LISW, or eligible per state requirements)
• Minimum 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in a behavioral health setting
• Experience working with adult and/or geriatric psychiatric populations
• Strong knowledge of treatment planning, discharge planning, crisis intervention, and clinical documentation

Preferred

• Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
• Prior inpatient psychiatric hospital experience
• Experience supervising clinical teams in a high-acuity behavioral health environment
• Knowledge of regulatory, accreditation, and payer standards

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Strong clinical leadership skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Collaborative team player
• Passionate about patient advocacy and quality care
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced inpatient behavioral health environment

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive leadership team
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes