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Nicu Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NICU

NICU- Clinical Nurse Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

Clinical Nurse Specialist The Clinical Nurse Specialist shall be responsible for directing the clinical nursing practice in the NICU & Pediatric Unit. Coordination and assessment of educational ...

ICONMA

RN - Neonatal ICU - NICU

Brighton, MA · On-site

The NICU Registered Nurse will be working with critically ill neonates and infants requiring complex medical and surgical care. * The NICU Registered Nurse is responsible for assuring competent ...

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$36.5K

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$127.5K

How much do nicu social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for nicu social worker in the United States is $78,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $93,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a NICU social worker?

NICU social workers are professionals who provide emotional support, counseling, and practical assistance to families with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. They help parents cope with the stress and uncertainty of having a critically ill or premature newborn. Their responsibilities include offering resources for financial assistance, coordinating communication between families and medical staff, and arranging discharge planning and follow-up care. NICU social workers play a crucial role in supporting families through challenging times and ensuring their needs are met during their baby's hospital stay.

How does a NICU social worker collaborate with medical staff and families to support patient care?

NICU Social Workers play a critical role in multidisciplinary teams, working closely with doctors, nurses, and therapists to address the emotional and practical needs of families with infants in the NICU. They facilitate communication between families and the medical team, assist with discharge planning, and connect families to community resources and support services. Their collaborative efforts help ensure families are supported through the stress of hospitalization and are prepared for the transition home or to other care settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a NICU social worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a NICU Social Worker, you need a master's degree in social work (MSW), state licensure, and knowledge of neonatal and family support services. Familiarity with hospital case management systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and crisis intervention protocols is typically required. Exceptional empathy, cultural sensitivity, and strong communication skills are crucial for supporting families in stressful situations. These skills enable NICU Social Workers to advocate effectively, provide emotional support, and facilitate coordinated care during critical times.

What is the difference between Nicu Social Worker vs Pediatric Social Worker?

AspectNicu Social WorkerPediatric Social Worker
CredentialsMaster's degree in Social Work (MSW), state licensureMaster's degree in Social Work (MSW), state licensure
Work EnvironmentNeonatal intensive care units, hospitalsGeneral pediatric wards, clinics, community settings
Employer & IndustryHospitals, NICUs, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, clinics, community health organizations
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on neonatal and family support in critical careBroader pediatric support for children and families

While both Nicu Social Workers and Pediatric Social Workers hold similar credentials and work in healthcare settings, Nicu Social Workers specialize in supporting families with infants in neonatal intensive care units. Pediatric Social Workers have a broader focus on children's health and well-being across various pediatric environments.

More about Nicu Social Worker jobs

What cities are hiring for Nicu Social Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Nicu Social Worker job openings:

What states have the most Nicu Social Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Nicu Social Worker jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Nicu Social Worker jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Nicu Social Worker jobs are:

Nicu Social Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nicu Social Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,890 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Social Worker Principal/UKHC

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

$67K - $111K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

314th of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
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.

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About University of Kentucky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865

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