Social Worker Principal/UKHC

Job Title
Social Worker Principal/UKHC

Requisition Number
RE55550

Working Title
NICU Social Worker

Department Name
H4019: Continuum of Care

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
12

Salary Range
$67,516-111,634/year

Type of Position
Staff

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

MSW

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

Required Related Experience

3 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Physical Requirements

Requires lifting, pushing or pulling objects up to 50 lbs and sitting and standing for long periods of time.

Shift

Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm; may include some evening and/or weekend work per departmental need.

Job Summary

The NICU is hiring a Principle Social Worker to develop a closer partnership with Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology in caring for the infants and their families in the NICU. The Principle Social Worker would be available to assist NICU staff in their interactions with families of infants on the NICU as well as directly work with parents as they manage the stress and uncertainty of their infant’s medical status and care.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

The ideal candidate will possess hospital based social work experience and have Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure; strong understanding of NASW guidelines, related to patient relationships and care; have direct patient care experience; have exceptional communication skills (written & verbal); enjoy working independently as well as closely with their co-workers in a supportive team environment; outstanding computer skills (to include Microsoft Office); above average customer service skills; and active listening skills. Additionally, candidate should be able to provide appropriate crisis intervention, emotional support, resource information, legal reporting, arrange case conferences, and facilitate bio-ethical consultations.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

A minimum of 3 years’ experience providing social services in a medical setting preferred; minimum of 1 year of experience in an acute medical setting highly preferred.

Deadline to Apply
08/31/2026

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.