#CA-FT
The role of this position is to provide clinical social work evaluations, counseling, monitoring of medication side effects under the direction of a psychiatrist, case management, and the implementation of W & I 5150. Also included are pre-release planning, crisis intervention, and the maintenance of an ongoing caseload, documentation, triage, consultation, training, education and referral.
Apply By Date: November 21, 2025 at 11:59pm. Selection activities may start at any time.
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Possession of a CA Clinical Social Worker License (LCSW), active and unrestricted.
- A Master's Degree from an accredited School of Social Work.
- Clinical work experience in a social service or healthcare setting (i.e. case management or social worker).
- Experience in taking psychosocial history and case management evaluations, including interview techniques, suicide assessments, and forensic designations.
- Proven ability to manage conflict.
- Knowledge and skills in the areas of individual, group, and family therapy.
- Basic understanding of community resources.
- Demonstrated awareness of, and sensitivity to, dealings with cultural and socioeconomic diversity.
- Basic understanding of computer and MS functionality.
- Knowledge of child, elder abuse, and domestic violence reporting requirements, and other significant legislation and laws regulating social work practice, e.g., Tarasoff, patient confidentiality, etc. Ability to make appropriate interventions based on law and policy.
Preferred Qualifications
- Social Work experience in a jail or correctional setting highly preferred.
- Knowledge of criminal justice system, state hospital system, forensic mental health networks, Probation, Parole, and Department of Corrections highly preferred.
Key Responsibilities
- 85% - Clinical Services and Documentation
- 10% - Consultation
- 5% - Training, Education & Research
Department Overview
Adult Correctional Mental Health (ACMH) is a satellite contract program of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. The program provides traditional inpatient and outpatient mental health services to incarcerated individuals inside the two Sacramento County jails located at 651 I Street in downtown Sacramento and Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center (RCCC) in Elk Grove.
POSITION INFORMATION
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 handyBenefits Summary for UC Davis Health EmployeesorBenefits Summary for UC Davis Employeesand ourBenefits 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 foundhere
Physical Demands
- Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Walking - Occasional Up to 3 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
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 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 - Frequent 3 to 6 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 - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Numerical skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 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.
Work is performed with many interruptions during the day. Must be able to work effectively within a stressful, hazardous environment with rapidly changing priorities and deadlines. Willingness to work under an institutional “No Hostage Policy.” Must be able to pass and maintain the Sacramento Sheriff Department’s Security Clearance. Ability to work in a highly stressful jail custody setting, with incarcerated inmates which may present hazardous conditions, including working in a potentially crowded, malodorous, and noisy environment, of a highly restrictive and confining nature. Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including holidays and weekends, as scheduled and assigned.
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 ourPrinciples of Community, ourClinical Strategic Planandstrategic visionfor research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered 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
To learn more about our background check program, please visit:https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
Freqently Asked Questions
Licensed Clinical Social Workers per diem in Sacramento working in correctional mental health require expertise in crisis intervention, forensic mental health knowledge, and strong case management skills. Familiarity with California’s social work regulations and ability to handle high-stress environments are critical for success in this role.
Per diem clinical social workers in Sacramento often manage fluctuating caseloads with a focus on urgent clinical evaluations and documentation. Unlike full-time staff, they adapt rapidly to varying schedules and work intensively during assigned shifts, maintaining thorough records while providing crisis support and medication monitoring.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers in per diem correctional roles around Sacramento generally earn between $35 and $45 per hour, reflecting the specialized skills and challenging environment. This wage aligns with the demand for licensed professionals adept in forensic social work and crisis management locally.
The University of California embeds Licensed Clinical Social Workers per diem into its correctional mental health team by assigning them vital clinical evaluations, crisis interventions, and case management within Sacramento county jails. Their work supports psychiatrists and contributes to multidisciplinary care, emphasizing rehabilitation and community resource linkage.
Yes, The University of California offers per diem social workers competitive benefits including comprehensive health plans, paid leave, continuing education allowances, and access to wellness programs. These perks, combined with opportunities for professional development, set UC apart within Sacramento’s social work job market.
Commuting to Sacramento’s downtown and Elk Grove correctional centers can involve traffic congestion during peak hours, requiring careful scheduling. Per diem social workers must consider variable shift times and parking availability, balancing travel logistics with flexible work assignments in these urban-suburban locations.
Sacramento’s demand for licensed clinical social workers per diem remains strong due to ongoing needs in healthcare and correctional settings. However, competition exists among candidates with specialized forensic experience and California licensure, making advanced skills and local certification valuable differentiators.
Beyond the mandatory California LCSW license, certifications in forensic social work, crisis intervention, or trauma-informed care are highly regarded for Sacramento correctional per diem positions. These credentials enhance a social worker’s ability to navigate complex inmate mental health needs effectively.
Career growth for per diem Licensed Clinical Social Workers in Sacramento correctional settings can include transitions to full-time roles, specialization in forensic or behavioral health, and leadership in mental health program development. Continued education and cross-training expand advancement potential.
Working per diem at The University of California enhances a social worker’s credibility through association with a prestigious institution. It provides valuable networking opportunities with healthcare and legal professionals in Sacramento, fostering connections that can support career advancement.