Advanced Practice Provider(APP/LCSW/LPC) Pediatric Behavioral Health Specialist in Hematology/Oncology

Children living with chronic illness require more than medical care alone. They need clinicians who understand the psychological, developmental, and family dynamics that shape their experience. This role is a rare opportunity join the integrated behavioral health team in hematology/oncology at UVA Health Children’s.

This newly created position is designed to embed a licensed behavioral health specialist in hematology/oncology alongside the pediatric psychologist, delivering evidence-based therapeutic care to children and families navigating complex, long-term conditions. As part of a forward-thinking pilot program adding an APP to the existing behavioral health team, you will have the opportunity to shape the model while practicing at the top of your license in an academic health system.

The Role

This is a high-impact, clinically focused role where you will provide therapy and behavioral health support to pediatric patients and families in Hematology/Oncology and Sickle Cell clinics. You will be embedded in Pediatrics, collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams while maintaining autonomy in your clinical practice. This is an expansion of existing integrated behavioral health services and offers a new model of incorporating a Behavioral Health APP as part of the clinical team.

In a typical week, you will balance direct patient care, team collaboration, and program development in a dynamic hybrid environment (in-person and remote) with an expectation for in-person availability most afternoons and some mornings.

You will:

• Provide evidence-based outpatient individual and family psychotherapy (including CBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing) adapted for pediatric patients and families coping with chronic illness adjustment, medical trauma, and associated anxiety/depression.
• Support children and families with presenting clinical concerns such as
  • Medical Trauma & Coping
  • Pain & Somatic Symptom Management
  • Disease-Specific Support
  • Palliative and Bereavement Care
• Collaborate directly with pediatric physicians, Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), nurses, psychologists, and psychosocial team members to integrate behavioral health goals into the patient's overall medical care plan.
• Build and manage your own patient caseload, adapting to clinic needs and workflows of the various subspecialty clinics in conjunction with other psychosocial and behavioral health team members
• Coordinate referrals and embed seamlessly into clinical workflows in conjunction with other psychosocial and behavioral health team members
• Participate in departmental meetings, case conferences, and professional development activities. Represent the pediatric behavioral health program on relevant hospital committees.

Success in this role requires both clinical independence and strong collaboration, as well as comfort navigating ambiguity in an evolving program setting.

Advanced Practice Provider Scope of Practice:

Clinical

• Provides expert evidence-based, top-of-scope care in their clinical practice
• Acts as part of a specialty team, collaborating with other clinicians as appropriate
• Provides behavioral health education to patients
• Maintains accurate, timely, and thorough documentation
• Ensures compliance with institutional and regulatory standards

Leadership

• Supports development of best practices and protocols in specialty
• Serves on committees and workgroups to enhance patient care
• Provides education to learners in the clinical space
• Mentors new team members

Administration

• Contributes to clinical quality improvement work
• Participates in professional governance through the APP Council
• Attends team development meetings at local and departmental levels

Professional

• Adheres to ASPIRE values in all professional interactions
• Maintains appropriate licenses, certifications, and specialty training competencies
• Participates in local, state, and national professional organizations

Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment. All safety-sensitive positions with direct patient interaction also require a drug screen.

Why UVA Health

This role sits at the intersection of pediatric specialty care, behavioral health integration, and academic medicine innovation. UVA Health provides the infrastructure, reputation, and collaborative culture to support both outstanding patient care and professional growth.

As part of UVA Health, you will join one of the nation’s leading academic health systems, recognized for advancing care through clinical excellence, education, and innovation.

Within Pediatrics, you will be aligned with UVA Health Children’s, consistently ranked the #1 Children’s Hospital in Virginia, offering access to highly specialized care teams and a strong interdisciplinary environment.

What makes this opportunity stand out:

• Embedded model of care integrating behavioral health into pediatric subspecialties
• A hybrid work model offering flexibility while maintaining strong clinical engagement
• High level of autonomy with strong interdisciplinary collaboration
• Opportunity to practice at the top of your license in a respected academic setting
• A culture that values APP contributions in clinical care, consultation, and innovation

This is an ideal role for clinicians who value autonomy in clinical judgment, thrive in medically complex settings, and are energized by building and evolving care models within an academic children’s hospital.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville

Charlottesville offers an exceptional balance of professional opportunity and quality of life. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the region is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and welcoming community. Whether exploring hiking trails, enjoying local vineyards, or experiencing a vibrant food and arts scene, residents benefit from a lifestyle that supports wellness and balance. Combined with excellent schools and a strong sense of community, Charlottesville provides an ideal environment for healthcare professionals and their families to thrive.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Board Certification: Board Certified in Oncology Social Work (OSW-C) or Advanced Palliative and Hospice Social Work (APSW-C).
• Trauma Training: Formal training in Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress (PMTS) interventions or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
• Subspecialty Experience: Documented experience working within pediatric hematology/oncology, sickle cell disease, or pediatric bone marrow transplant (BMT) programs.
• School Advocacy: Experience navigating pediatric school re-entry and advocating for academic accommodations (IEPs/504 plans) for children with medical and cognitive late-effects of treatment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE accredited social work program required

Experience: 3 years’ experience post master’s required.

Licensure: Licensed to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Virginia (LCSW) or applicants with an active license from another state must obtain Virginia LCSW within 18 months of hire date.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Job requires sitting for prolonged periods, standing/traveling or use of assistive and climbing (stairs, steps). Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail, hear, speak, see, distinguish colors, read, ability to write legibly; Ability to lift/push/pull less than 20lbs. May be exposed to chemicals, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

The pay range for this role is $63,939.20 - $115,834.00 annually. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Retirement Savings
• Long-term and Short-term Disability
• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Certification and Education Support

UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.