Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Department: Rowan Institute for Special Needs (RISN)
Division: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Reports To: Director, RISN
Effective Date: 6/3/2026
SUMMARY:
To assist patients and families who have multiple psychosocial and/or health-related needs to define social, emotional, and environmental needs and to enable them to recognize/utilize available resources to resolve needs by providing a full spectrum of social work service including counseling which may include individual therapy, family therapy, supportive caregiver counseling, and/or group therapy.
LCSW services is a strength-based approach to service that includes treatment adherence, counseling, coordination and follow-up of medical treatments, client advocacy, and assistance in obtaining house, financial support, legal services, social support, and any other needed service.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Works with the patient, family, and other members of the health care team to safely and expeditiously provide the patient services to support remaining in the appropriate setting. Gathers and assesses information regarding the patient's physical needs, mental status, family support system, financial resources, and available community and governmental resources.
- Provides factual information based on current knowledge, which may assist the patient/family in coping with the disease. Promotes and supports patient independence and self-sufficiency.
- Provides education on how to communicate with physicians and other members of the healthcare team to better utilize medical system resources.
- Provides information about resources and options available in the community and government sources.
- Interprets patient/family needs and provides information concerning the availability and limitations of resources and provides information on access.
- Assists patients and their families in completion of filling out and/or file all supportive documentation (i.e., insurance needs, Medicaid/Medicare, guardianship, durable medical equipment, in-home and community supports, etc.) for patients, as needed.
- Educates the community and the general public regarding various symptoms and consequences related to specific diseases, conditions and use of the medical system. This information will also include specifics regarding methods of professional intervention.
- Represents patient/family by intervening, negotiating and promoting their concerns. Problems requiring advocacy may include individual and class inequities or inadequate and non-existent hospital and/or community resources, i.e., insurance benefits, housing, etc.
- Functions as consultant/advisor to physicians, administration, utilization review, public and private insurance programs when discharge planning or utilization "impasses" situations occur.
- Keeps administration informed of changes in community, state, and federal policies that impact access to care.
- Maintains pertinent and timely documentation in patient's medical records.
- Accurately maintains required departmental statistical data.
- Collects and maintains specific information required for Quality Assurance indicators and research projects.
- Performs patient/family evaluations and histories. Conduct patient intakes, assessments of needs, and periodic reevaluations of such
- Interviews and assesses referred and high-risk patients to determine the need and desire for social work service.
- Screens high-risk patients and consults the healthcare team regarding potential transition planning problems identified as a result of this process.
- Provides individual, family, or group therapy services for patients with special needs and/or their families.
- Represents the programs, when requested, through participation on community/state boards, committees, panels, court hearings, etc.
- Attends regularly scheduled staff meetings, i.e., program or departmental, multi-disciplinary meetings and patient rounds.
- Takes part in presentation of seminars/workshops, in-services, and education regarding new resources and clinical techniques.
- Teaches the basics of medical social work and available community resources to the healthcare team.
- Demonstrates skills and knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients along the continuum of intellectual abilities, and their
- families including knowledge of growth and development, the ability to obtain and interpret information to identify patient needs, and to provide the care needed.
- Performs assigned work safely, adhering to established departmental safety rules and practices. Reports to supervisor, in a timely manner, any unsafe activities, conditions, hazards, or safety violations that may cause injury to oneself, other employees, patients and visitors.
- Performs other related duties as required.
SCOPE, PURPOSE, AND FREQUENCY OF CONTACTS:
Consistent daily contact with patients, families, medical and other professional staff from various offices, hospital departments, community agency representatives, governmental officials, and politicians.
DIRECTION/SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:
May supervise one or a maximum of two (2) graduate or undergraduate students at a given time.
Provides social work direction to members of assigned unit in the absence of supervisor and/or assistant director. Participates in the education of physicians, residents, medical students and other ancillary service providers as needed.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Masters Degree in Social Work from an accredited graduate school of Social Work.
- Two years experience working with patients with intellectual and physical disabilities.
- Training time on the job is six months to one year.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Knowledge of Social Work Theory and understanding and acceptance of Social Work Code of Ethics.
- Knowledge of Crises Intervention Theory.
- Knowledge of Human Behavior and Developmental/Life Cycle Theory.
- Knowledge of Systems Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Behavioral Theory.
- Knowledge of Problem Solving, Cognitive Behavioral, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy Models.
- Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care.
- Knowledge of community resources, state and federal programs.
- Knowledge of individual group and family therapy.
- Experience with and dedication to pursuing cultural competency with diverse patient populations
- Ability to function as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
- Ability to learn and understand medical terminology.
- Ability to organize and prioritize (sometimes very heavy) work assignments.
- Ability to consistently present clear professional identity and purpose.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision, if necessary.
- Ability to maintain flexibility and emotional stability while working under intense emotional, time, and volume pressure.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Intermittent sitting, standing, bending, and lifting.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Occasional contact with patients who have a communicable disease or who may behave violently.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Licensed by the State of New Jersey (L.C.S.W.)
SALARY INFORMATION
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In compliance with The State of New Jersey's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is $75,000-$84,000, with placement within the range determined by candidate's qualifications, professional experience, internal equity, and other factors.
BENEFIT INFORMATION
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For eligible employees, benefits include: comprehensive NJ State health, dental and retirement benefits, extensive accrued time off/paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement for employee, spouse, and dependents to attend Rowan University, Glassboro. (Tuition reimbursement will apply to undergraduate degrees only for spouse and dependents).”
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NOTES:
- Only completed, online applications submitted on or before the deadline will be considered.
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the US, and the university will not sponsor an applicant for a work visa for this position.
