Social worker - Inpatient Psych

Inpatient Psychiatric Social Worker (LSW)

Facility: Bayonne University Hospital (Hudson Regional Health)

Department: Inpatient Behavioral Health / Psychiatry

Employment Type: [Full-Time / Part-Time / Per Diem]

Shift: [Insert Shift Details, e.g., Day Shift, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM]

Position Summary

Bayonne University Hospital is seeking a dedicated and highly skilled Licensed Social Worker (LSW) to join our Inpatient Psychiatric multidisciplinary team. The Inpatient Psychiatric Social Worker is responsible for providing comprehensive psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, and complex discharge planning for patients experiencing acute mental health crises. The ideal candidate will advocate for patient needs, collaborate closely with the clinical team, and ensure safe, effective transitions of care into the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Psychosocial Assessments: Conduct thorough intake and biopsychosocial assessments to identify patient needs, trauma history, family dynamics, and barriers to recovery.

• Treatment Planning: Collaborate daily with psychiatrists, registered nurses, occupational therapists, and other interdisciplinary team members to develop and update individualized treatment plans.

• Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate crisis de-escalation and supportive counseling to patients and their families, utilizing trauma-informed and patient-centered approaches.

• Psychoeducation: Facilitate therapeutic and psychoeducational group sessions focusing on coping mechanisms, emotional regulation, and relapse prevention.

• Discharge & Care Coordination: Manage complex discharge planning by securing appropriate post-acute placements, including Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs), supportive housing, or community mental health linkages.

• Documentation: Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation within the electronic health record (EHR) system in accordance with hospital policies, state regulations, and Joint Commission standards.

• Advocacy: Serve as a liaison between the patient, their family, and community resource agencies to ensure continuity of care.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited institution.

• Licensure: Active and unrestricted Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential in the State of New Jersey. (Note: This is a strict requirement; CSW or pending licenses will not be accepted for this role).

• Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

• Experience: Previous clinical experience (including MSW internships) in a psychiatric, behavioral health, or acute hospital setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ years of post-graduate experience in an acute inpatient psychiatric environment.

• Familiarity with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) and dual-diagnosis populations.

• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) or similar nonviolent crisis intervention certification.

• Proficiency in electronic health record systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner).

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, acute clinical environment.

• Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and medical staff.

• Occasional physical exertion may be required during crisis intervention protocols.