Melika Smith, LCSW-C, LICSW
Biosketch
Melika A. Smith, Chief of the Social Work Department (SWD), has oversight of Clinical Social Work Operations, Social Work Education and Training, and the Clinical Center (CC) Language Interpreter Program.
Ms. Smith has led a career of advocacy, treatment, and program management for women, children, and families for over 25 years. Ms. Smith received her Bachelors of Science from Towson State University and her Masters of Social Work from Howard University. Over her career, she has specialized in advocacy for maltreated children and victims of domestic violence, medical social work, and mental health treatment of infertility and maternal-fetal health concerns. She has served as a social work field instructor, coach, and mentor for over 20 years and managed field instruction and medical social work programs within medical treatment facilities.
As Chief, she strives to cultivate a dynamic team of social work clinicians and language interpreters focused on exceptional, interdisciplinary patient care with integral emphasis on promoting a culture of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging within the SWD and the NIH Clinical Center.
She has worked in the SWD since 2019, first as the Director of Education and Training and Clinical Supervisor, and then as the Deputy Chief of SWD. Prior to joining NIH, she served military members and their families for over 14 years.