Job Description

Department

BSD PSY - Clinical Social Work

About the Department

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago has a longstanding commitment to excellence in clinical care, education, and research. Its faculty bring expertise across the psychiatric subspecialties and in behavioral neuroscience, with a shared focus on advancing the understanding and treatment of mental illness.

Research within the Department is broad and multidisciplinary, spanning clinical, translational, and neuroscience research. Areas of expertise include anxiety and mood disorders, autism spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, dementia and cognitive disorders, eating and weight disorders, including obesity, substance use disorders, and impulse control and related disorders. This work is carried out through established research programs, including the Center for Psychiatric Genetics, the Human Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, the Addictive, Compulsive and Impulsive Disorders Research Program, and the Eating Disorders Research Program. Many faculty hold appointments in the University of Chicago Neuroscience Institute, and the Department supports NIH-funded T32 training programs in eating disorders and in addictions. Faculty also examine developmental and other factors that influence mental health and treatment response, using approaches such as neuroimaging, genetics and genomics, human behavioral pharmacology, behavioral research, and clinical investigation. Together, these efforts support the Department’s mission to advance psychiatric knowledge, educate the next generation of clinicians and scientists, and improve outcomes for individuals affected by mental illness.

Job Summary

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to provide high-quality, client-centered therapeutic services. The LCSW will deliver primarily brief, focused, evidence-based interventions to individuals and groups, with opportunities to provide longer-term therapy as appropriate. Responsibilities include assessing client needs, developing individualized treatment plans, providing therapeutic interventions, monitoring progress, and supporting clients in addressing immediate concerns and achieving measurable goals. The ideal candidate is adaptable, collaborative, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical, effective, and compassionate clinical care.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments and diagnostic evaluations to identify patients’ behavioral health, emotional, psychological, and psychosocial needs, including urgent and crisis assessments.
• Provide goal-focused, evidence-based, time-limited individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy, with opportunities for longer-term therapy when clinically appropriate.
• Develop individualized treatment and care plans in collaboration with patients, establishing measurable goals and interventions that address identified clinical needs.
• Monitor, evaluate, and document patient progress toward treatment goals and modify treatment interventions and plans as clinically indicated.
• Provide crisis intervention and stabilization services, including assessment of safety and risk, appropriate clinical intervention, and referral to higher levels of care or community resources when needed.
• Coordinate care with psychiatrists, physicians, nursing staff, case managers, and other interdisciplinary team members to support comprehensive, integrated patient care.
• Facilitate referrals to appropriate community resources and support services, including housing, financial assistance, legal services, employment, education, and other resources that promote recovery and stability.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and clinically appropriate electronic health records, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, risk assessments, and other required documentation.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound clinical judgment and discretion when managing sensitive patient information and situations in accordance with HIPAA, ethical standards, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Interpret and apply federal and state laws, regulations, professional standards, Code of Ethics, and organizational policies and procedures governing clinical social work practice.
• Participate in clinical, interdisciplinary, and administrative staff meetings as appropriate to support patient care, team communication, and unit operations.
• Provide clinical supervision and mentorship to social work trainees, interns, or other learners as assigned and appropriate to scope of practice.
• Manage a full-time caseload while maintaining quality of care, timely documentation, and appropriate follow-up.
• Support continuity of care by coordinating transitions, referrals, and follow-up services based on patient needs and treatment goals.
• Interprets, monitors, and record client progress according to measurable goals described in treatment and care plan.
• Analyzes potential problems in home or work environments of clients.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW).

Experience:

• Working for a large complex healthcare organization.
• Experience with Adult patient population.
• Experience in a fast-paced outpatient, community, or clinical setting.
• Experience with crisis intervention and trauma-informed care.

Licenses and Certifications:

• LCSW Illinois licensure or license eligible.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, code of ethics, policies, and procedures as related to social work.

Preferred Competencies

• Proficiency in brief therapeutic approaches such evidence-based modalities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage clients and build trust quickly.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and manage a caseload efficiently.
• Knowledge of mental health diagnoses, treatment modalities, and ethical practices.
• Ability to maintain accurate and thorough clinical documentation.
• Knowledge of diverse populations and cultural competence in delivering therapy.
• Experience with crisis intervention and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, regulations, Code of Ethics, policies, and procedures as related to social work.

Working Conditions

• Health clinics and hospital setting.
• Primarily office-based clinical work.
• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
• Frequent use of electronic health records and office equipment.
• Frequent communication with patients and staff.
• Occasional standing and walking.
• May respond to urgent or crisis situations.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Healthcare & Medical Services

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

Yes

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$80,000.00 - $110,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

In addition to the base pay posted above, this position may be eligible for In addition to the base pay posted above, this position may be eligible for Department’s incentive compensation plan based on clinical productivity performance. The clinical incentive is paid once a year and is based on prior year performance by RVU's

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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