Education and Experience

• A Master's Degree in Social Work is required.
• Maryland state Social Work licensure and credentials as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW and/or LCSW-C) is required. Applicants licensed at an equivalent level in another state may work for up to 6 months while Maryland licensure is pending. Proof of application for licensure at the LCSW or LCSW-C level is required in these instances.
• Two years applicable social work experience is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of social work practices, individual, family and group counseling, case recording, chart documentation, community referrals, and effective networking techniques to coordinate services for patients outside of the hospital. Familiarity with general medicine, psychiatry, psychology and sociology and how social, familial, economic and individual factors affect an individual's ability to function is required.
• Knowledge of child protection laws, state Medicaid guidelines, NASW code of ethics (professional standards), and confidentiality and privacy, as applicable to the particular area of specialty is required.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age-specific needs.
• Ability to make independent decisions regarding clinical, psycho-social patient care, and to provide input regarding the organization and functioning of the hospital unit is required.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills are necessary in order to conduct successful counseling, social services, supervision of students, consultation with colleagues and documentation of patient counseling sessions.