Behavioral Health Social Worker

Advocate Health and Hospitals Corporation•Wake Forest, NC

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Social Worker provides psychiatric and crisis services across the Emergency Department, medical floors, and ambulatory settings. The role delivers comprehensive assessment, care coordination, and support for patients across the lifespan experiencing psychiatric, substance use, domestic violence, or abuse-related crises. The position works in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment and may require travel to other Advocate Health locations to support Behavioral Health needs. The social worker assesses behavioral health treatment needs, develops individualized treatment and discharge plans, provides therapeutic interventions and education, and coordinates aftercare with internal teams and community resources. The role also advocates for patients and families, maintains clinical documentation, and contributes to program development, quality initiatives, staff education, and continuing professional development.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work.
1–3 years of clinical mental health experience.
Prior mental health and emergency room experience required.
Current Illinois Social Worker (LSW) license required; LCSW must be obtained within one year of employment.
Strong assessment, critical-thinking, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
Understanding of mental illness, developmental needs, behavioral health treatment, and discharge planning.
Compassionate therapeutic communication and commitment to patient- and family-centered care.

Nice To Haves

Dual-diagnosis experience.
Family therapy training.

Responsibilities

Complete comprehensive psychosocial assessments, including mental status, psychiatric and substance use history, suicide risk, family dynamics, and support systems.
Evaluate behavioral health treatment needs using DSM-5 criteria and knowledge of the Illinois Mental Health Code.
Develop and update individualized treatment and discharge plans.
Provide individual, family, and group interventions, education, and support.
Coordinate discharge and aftercare services with internal teams and community resources.
Advocate for patients and families throughout treatment, including court proceedings when needed.
Collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary teams to support effective, coordinated care.
Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation.
Participate in program development, quality initiatives, staff education, and continuing professional development.
Travel to other Advocate locations as needed.

Benefits

Paid time off programs.
Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits.
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
Educational Assistance Program.
Premium pay such as shift and on-call pay, based on the teammate’s job.
Incentive pay for select positions.
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.
Career development programs.