Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Join Our Pediatric Care Team!

UBMD Pediatrics is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Social Worker to join our Pediatric Pulmonology and Nephrology Divisions. This position plays a critical role in delivering comprehensive, family-centered care to children and adolescents with severe asthma, chronic kidney disease, and other lung and kidney diseases.

If you are passionate about supporting patients with complex, lifelong medical conditions and enjoy working as a part of a highly collaborative multidisciplinary team, this is an exceptional opportunity to grow your career while making a meaningful impact.

About UBMD Pediatrics

UBMD Pediatrics is one of 18 practice plans within UBMD Physicians Group, the largest medical group in Western New York. Our Physicians serve as academic faculty in the Department of Pediatrics and the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo and provide care at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

About the Pulmonology Care Program

The Pediatric Pulmonology team within UBMD Pediatrics provides comprehensive evaluation and management of infants, children, and adolescents with acute and chronic respiratory conditions. Clinical services include management of asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic lung disease of prematurity, recurrent pneumonia, sleep-disordered breathing, airway abnormalities, and ventilator-dependent patients.

About the Pediatric Nephrology Care team

The Pediatric Nephrology Care Team within UBMD Pediatrics provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for infants, children, and adolescents with acute and chronic kidney conditions. The team manages complex renal disorders including chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertension, nephrotic syndrome, congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract, dialysis management, and transplant coordination.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Be part of a team: We are dedicated to providing exceptional care and fostering a supportive, collaborative work environment.
• Make a difference: You'll play a vital role in shaping patient experiences and supporting their health journey.
• Work-life balance: Enjoy a generous PTO plan, no weekends or holidays, Flexible hours and pre-scheduled hybrid work options.

General Summary: This position is responsible for assessing the psychosocial needs of patients and families, and providing professional counseling, case management, and discharge planning services as indicated. Services are provided in accordance with professional standards and in consultation and/or collaboration with the multi-disciplinary health care team, as warranted, to assist and encourage patients and families to utilize medical care constructively to assure the achievement of an optimal level of functioning in all patient care settings in the community, as well as alternate levels of care.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Core Clinical Responsibilities

• Provide psychosocial assessment, counseling and case management for pediatric patients and families, with independent clinical judgment.
• Conduct ongoing reassessment to address evolving medical, emotional, social, financial, and community-based needs.
• Participate in multidisciplinary care planning, including safety/l lethality assessments and coordination of psychiatric or psychological consults as indicated.
• Provide patient and family education related to illness adjustment, treatment adherence, and available supports.

Care Coordination, Resources, and Advocacy

• Link patients and families to hospital, community, public, and private resources to support ongoing care, including transportation, financial assistance, insurance navigation, disability and Social Security benefits, and medication access.
• Advocate for patients and families, supporting self-advocacy, independence, and quality of life.
• Serve as liaison with schools, including support for 504 plans and coordination with school nurses.
• Assist families with FMLA paperwork, missed work documentation, and transition planning to adult care providers.
• Act as Child Protective Services (CPS) liaison when required.

Specialty Care Focus

• Provide specialized psychosocial assessment and longitudinal support for children with chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, dialysis dependence, transplant evaluation or follow-up, cystic fibrosis, and other complex pulmonary conditions.
• Address the psychosocial impact of chronic illness, including treatment burden, frequent medical visits or hospitalizations, medication adherence challenges, school disruption, caregiver stress, and family adjustment over time.
• For cystic fibrosis populations, provide targeted psychosocial support related to diagnosis adjustment, intensive daily treatment regimens, mental health screening and intervention, advanced therapies, transplant considerations, and end-of-life planning when appropriate.
• Participate in nephrology and pulmonology specialty clinics, multidisciplinary case conferences, and care coordination meetings to ensure integrated, family-centered care across settings.

Collaboration, Documentation, and Compliance

• Work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and meet departmental productivity standards.
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation of assessments, interventions, referrals, discharge planning, and outcomes in accordance with departmental, institutional, and regulatory standards.
• Maintain required statistics, reports, and compliance with federal, state, and professional regulations, including confidentiality and safety standards.

Professional & Programmatic Responsibilities

• Provide support and consultation to medical, administrative, and allied health staff.
• Participate in committees, quality improvement initiatives, and departmental projects.
• Engage in continuing professional education, maintain professional licensure and memberships, and contribute to staff and community education as appropriate.
• Provide coverage for social work colleagues, assist with onboarding and supervision of students, and perform other duties as assigned.

Licensure

Requires a License for Clinical Social Work

Education

Requires a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

Experience

A minimum of two years’ experience in a related field and healthcare setting is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Healthcare Knowledge: Knowledge of the healthcare field; medical practice clinical and administrative systems, departments, and practices, including clinic financial policies and reimbursement payment requirements.
• Counseling and Conflict Resolution: Knowledge of counseling, conflict resolution, and customer service principles and applications.
• Research Methods: Knowledge of research methods to identify issues and clarify policies. Understanding of medical terminology. Familiarity with community resources.
• Data Analysis: Skill in analyzing data, policies, and requirements and in preparing objective, comprehensive reports using computers for both research and reporting.
• Problem-Solving: Skill in defusing tense situations through diplomatic problem-solving.
• Balancing Needs: Skill in effectively balancing the needs of the clinic with the needs of the patient with a minimum of tension.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with patients, staff, and external contacts via phone, in person, and through well-written reports.
• Leadership: Ability to demonstrate leadership within the medical practice to resolve immediate and long-term patient concerns.
• Relationship Building: Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of people.

Benefits Package Details

With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a strong commitment to work-life balance, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss. When you join UBMD Pediatrics as a contributing member of our team, you can expect to receive:

• Healthcare Benefits: Includes comprehensive Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you to choose from.
• Robust Benefits: 401(k) with employer contribution, Flexible spending account, Health savings account, Life insurance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous Paid Time Off package
• Work-Life Balance: No overnight, holiday, or weekend shifts.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for advancement and professional development in a supportive environment.

Where We Work:

Our new building is located in the heart of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. We have access to secure and safe ramp parking as well as street parking, convenient access to nearby Allen/Medical Campus metro station as well as NFTA bus routes, park-and-ride, and easy highway access.

Ready to Make a Difference?

We invite you to submit your application, including a resume and cover letter highlighting your skills and passion for patient care. Join UBMD Pediatrics and be a part of a team that makes a difference in the lives of children and families every day.

UBMD Pediatrics is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person