Licensed Clinical Social Worker

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) provides comprehensive, evidence-based clinical social work services to patients and families experiencing complex medical, behavioral health, and psychosocial needs. This position will primarily support pediatric patients and their families within UC Davis Children's Hospital. Using advanced clinical assessment and judgment, the LCSW develops patient-centered interventions that consider each patient's diagnosis, functioning, support system, living environment, and social determinants of health.

Clinical services include biopsychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, psychiatric diagnostic evaluation informed by current DSM guidelines, suicide risk assessment and safety planning, supportive and grief counseling, harm reduction, mandated reporting, and support for individuals impacted by violence, abuse, neglect, or human trafficking. The LCSW also assists with complex needs such as identifying unknown patients, locating next of kin, and connecting patients and families with essential community resources.

Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the LCSW provides therapeutic intervention, advocacy, education, and care coordination to promote patient well-being, continuity of care, and safe transitions throughout the healthcare system. The position is part of Clinical Social Services' 24-hour, seven-day-a-week care model, supporting continuous access to clinical social work services.

Apply By Date: October 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Must maintain a valid LCSW with the Board of Behavioral Sciences to maintain employment with UC Davis Medical Center
• Master of Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work (CSWE)
• Recent experience providing direct client or patient care
• Ability to assess adjustment to illness and coping, as well as provide brief counseling for individual/family and/or group
• Knowledge of mandated reporting laws and requirements
• 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

• Experience providing social work services in a healthcare setting

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Uses Clinical Social Work Process and Practice
• 20% - Coordination and Collaboration
• 20% - Quality
• 20% - Professional Development

Department Overview

The Department of Clinical Social Services provides compassionate, comprehensive social work services to support the psychosocial well-being of patients and families throughout their healthcare journey. Licensed Clinical Social Workers partner with interdisciplinary care teams to address emotional, social, environmental, and practical needs across the full continuum of care, helping patients and families navigate illness, treatment, recovery, and transitions in care.

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 (8:30 AM-4:30 PM), with rotating weekends and holidays.
• 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 - Frequent 3 to 6 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

• Loud noise levels - Occasional, up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional, up to 3 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 - Occasional, up to 3 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.

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