ESH Asst Dir of Social Work/UKHC

Job Title
ESH Asst Dir of Social Work/UKHC

Requisition Number
RE53699

Working Title
ESH Asst Dir of Social Work

Department Name
H1100: ESH Psychosocial Services

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
12

Salary Range
$62,400-111,634/year

Type of Position
Staff

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

MA

Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

2 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) in KY by time of hire

Physical Requirements

Requires handling of light-weight objects up to 10 pounds, standing or walking.

Shift

M-F, 40+ hours. Weekend and evening hours may be required as workload demands.

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Social Work is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and solving systemic issues related to patient care transitions. Provides education and clinical consultation to recovery teams on various complex cases and complicated transitions. Responsible for contributing to and leading strategic planning, policy development, and system improvement initiatives that advance continuity of care and align with ESH/UKHC priorities. Provides consultation to the Social Work Department and the hospital’s Executive Management Team on various issues related to improving continuity of care. The Assistant Director of Social Work works to increase communication and serves as a liaison between Eastern State Hospital/UKHC and community partners through numerous efforts for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a seamless system of care. Provides education, clinical consultation, and outreach to both internal and external sources as it relates to complex transitions and available community options, leading to successful patient care. Participates in and leads various hospital committees and councils. Assists in the implementation of new processes affecting workflow within the ESH/UKHC social work units. Serves as hospital Olmstead coordinator, facilitating monthly meetings and managing the Olmstead budget and purchasing. Manages and analyzes data regarding special populations. Acts on behalf of the Director of Social Work as delegated, exercising decision-making authority and representing ESH/UKHC social work in various settings as assigned. Provides LCSW clinical supervision, if applicable. The Assistant Director of Social Work will provide social work leadership to ESH/UKHC social work units, executive leadership, and when representing ESH/UKHC in the community. The Assistant Director of Social Work will supervise the Drug and Alcohol Education Social Worker, social work floats across ESH/UKHC units, and may supervise additional direct reports with coverage responsibilities, as well as supervising social work staff who engage in continuity of care activities. The Assistant Director of Social Work is responsible for high-level oversight of the Student Practicum Program, the Caring Contacts program, Drug and Alcohol Education, Recovery Mall inclusion, Assisted Outpatient Treatment, Peer Bridgers, and other hospital/social work initiatives as assigned. In addition, the Assistant Director of Social Work is responsible for oversight of hiring and training for ESH/UKHC social work units and for coordinating professional development activities for the same. Provides oversight to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, accreditation standards, and quality improvement initiatives impacting social work practice and patient care transitions. Other duties as assigned consistent with organizational needs.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

-

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Masters in Social Work

Deadline to Apply
03/29/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.