Heart Failure Social Worker

The Heart Failure Social Worker is a vital member of the Clinical Social Services team, providing evidence-based social work services to patients and families throughout all stages of heart failure treatment. Working closely with cardiologists, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, and other members of the multidisciplinary team, the LCSW addresses the psychosocial, emotional, and environmental needs that impact patient care and outcomes.

The LCSW conducts comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments to identify risk factors that may affect the success of treatment. Interventions are tailored to consider diagnostic conditions, cognitive and emotional functioning, communication and learning abilities, physical capabilities, support systems, living environments, social determinants of health, financial and insurance considerations, employment history, housing stability, and motivation for transplant or device-based therapies.

This position also plays a key role in evaluating patients for suitability for solid organ transplantation and/or Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) implantation (Bridge Therapy). In collaboration with the interdisciplinary care team, the LCSW develops, implements, and monitors treatment plans, establishes patient-centered goals, identifies and addresses barriers to progress, and evaluates the effectiveness of individualized care strategies. Additionally, the LCSW may contribute to special projects, data collection, peer review, and supervision to support quality improvement and professional development within the department.

Core Social Work Services include (but are not limited to):

• Conducting biopsychosocial assessments
• Providing crisis intervention and suicide risk assessment with safety planning
• Completing psychiatric diagnostic evaluations informed by the DSM
• Offering supportive and grief counseling, symptom reduction, and harm-reduction interventions
• Facilitating mandated reporting for abuse/neglect and supporting victims of violence or human trafficking
• Assisting with the identification of unknown patients and locating next of kin
• Educating and supporting patients and families in adapting to diagnoses, illness, treatment, or life changes
• Linking patients and families to critical community-based resources to address emotional, social, financial, or environmental stressors

This position requires on-site availability Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Apply By Date: October 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM

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

• California Licensed Clinical Social Worker -Must maintain valid LCSW licensure without restrictions from the California Board of Behavioral Science to maintain employment with UC Davis Health
• Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work
• Recent experience within an acute medical hospital, mental health setting, and/or health care clinic
• Current or recent direct social work services
• Proficient in basic computer skills
• Competent in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehending the English language
• Skillful in the appropriate use of medical terminology
• Capable of maintaining composure in high-pressure situations
• Committed to delivering excellence in patient care
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, enabling effective collaboration in team settings and the clear, concise conveyance of complex clinical information
• 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 the 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

• Preferred specialty social work certification from an accredited organization, such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), American Case Management Association (ACMA), etc.

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Clinical Social Work Process and Practice
• 20% - Communication Skills
• 10% - Collaboration and Teamwork
• 10% - Advocacy

Department Overview

The Department of Clinical Social Services is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive, and high-quality care designed to restore and enhance the biopsychosocial functioning of patients and their families. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) support patients with conditions across the entire health continuum, addressing both immediate and long-term needs.

In collaboration with the Comprehensive Heart Failure Program, the department delivers evidence-based care to patients at all stages of heart failure. Our multidisciplinary team includes cardiologists specializing in heart failure, cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiology-trained nurses, pharmacists, and social workers. Together, we provide a highly personalized approach, emphasizing strong partnerships with patients, families, and referring physicians.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $50.28 - $66.36
• 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): (08 hours) Day shift with variable holiday and weekend coverage
• Location: Main Hospital, Sacramento, CA
• Union Representation: HX-Healthcare Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site
• THIS IS NOT AN H-1B VISA OPPORTUNITY

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 rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations, and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html.

* High-quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits, including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program, including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered, including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles, including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ 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) - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• 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 - Continuous 6 to 8+ 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.
• Inpatient hospital social worker
• Must be available on-site 24 hours a day
• Must be able to work variable hours, which include occasional overtime, flexible hours, and weekend and holiday shifts, to meet the operational needs of the Clinical Social Services department
• Must adhere to policies and procedures and adapt easily to changes to workflow, work standards, work practices, and work assignments because of advancements in technology, healthcare coverage changes, new/revised regulatory requirements, and new social work practice standards and programs
• Must work effectively within a stressful, sometimes hazardous environment with rapidly changing priorities and deadlines

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 our strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity 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

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks.