Psychiatric Social Worker & Trainee

*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.

The State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, and New Hampshire Hospital has a full-time vacancy for Psychiatric Social Worker and/or Trainee.

Summary:

PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER:
Has considerable knowledge and experience in providing PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL work services within the field of mental health. Provides professional services in PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL work to all psychiatric patient populations consisting of the observation/evaluation, assessment and treatment of acutely ill psychiatric patients with a wide range of psychiatric disabilities. The scope of services involves initial professional assessment of problem areas, formulation of psychosocial diagnosis, treatment interventions based on diagnosis, and comprehensive discharge planning including arrangements for aftercare and treatment with community agencies.

PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER TRAINEE:
Will work as a trainee under the direction and supervision of a Senior Psychiatric Social Worker to gain knowledge and experience with providing PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL work services within the field of mental health. Provide PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL work services to all psychiatric patient populations consisting of the observation/evaluation, assessment, and treatment of acutely ill psychiatric patients with a wide range of psychiatric disabilities. Will learn all protocols and work methods in providing services involving initial professional assessment of problem areas, formulation of psychosocial diagnosis, treatment interventions based on diagnosis, and comprehensive discharge planning, including arrangements for aftercare and treatment in coordination with community agencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER:

Education: Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a college or university approved by the Council on Social Work Education.
Experience: Three years’ experience involving PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL work (mental, emotional or behavioral disorders) prior to or subsequent to obtaining the graduate degree.
License/Certification: New Hampshire driver's license and/or access to transportation with liability insurance as required by state laws, if necessary, for performing job accountabilities.

PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER TRAINEE:

Education: Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a college or university approved by the Council on Social Work Education.

Experience: Applicants lacking the experience involving PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL work (mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders) prior to or subsequent to obtaining the graduate degree may be hired as a Trainee Salary Grade 20. The employee will remain in the “Trainee” status until all qualified required experience is completed; at that time, the employee will be considered fully qualified for the Psychiatric Social Worker and will be moved to the full Salary Grade of 23.

License/Certification: New Hampshire driver's license and/or access to transportation with liability insurance as required by state laws if necessary, for performing job accountabilities.

Responsibilities:

PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER:

• Performs a complicated, detailed and involved review of a highly professional nature to gather sensitive background material from patients, family members, service providers and guardians as well as reading past clinical records to formulate a comprehensive psychosocial assessment in order to make clinical recommendations for inpatient interventions and aftercare needs.
• Establishes and maintains highly sensitive contacts with a wide range of community agencies. The nature of these contacts requires exercising considerable judgment and sensitivity, as the outcome can affect quantity and quality of services provided to patients.
• Establishes and maintains therapeutic relationships with patients, guardians, family members and significant others to assess, mobilize and access social, financial and residential resources needed to promote recovery both during and after hospitalization.
• On the basis of an in depth comprehensive psychosocial assessment, develops treatment goals in conjunction with the treatment team, patient/guardian and family/significant others and is the interdisciplinary treatment team member who is responsible for ensuring that an ongoing discussion of discharge issues occur.
• Provides individual, family and group therapy on assigned cases and based on program needs. Must be knowledgeable with and willing to apply a broad range of established therapeutic techniques.
• Utilizes interventions consistent with current research relevant to developmental, cultural and disability-specific needs. Gathers information to analyze the efficacy of interventions and documents this in the clinical record.
• Initiates, or oversees the initiation of, guardianship and/or involuntary commitment proceedings consistent with RSA 464-A and RSA 135 and provides these interventions in a manner to ensure congruency with the Social Work Code of Ethics. Monitors other legal issues such as the status of probation/parole involvement, pending court hearings for criminal or civil actions; facilitates appropriate involvement of the patient in these proceedings and gives direct testimony at court hearings as appropriate.
• The PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER's role in relation to discharge planning begins at the time of admission. The SOCIAL WORKER develops a comprehensive discharge plan, which requires considerable judgment and consideration of the concerns of all interested parties. The discharge plan is expected to be a collaborative process that will ensure the safety of the patient, family and community and take into account necessary elements to promote recovery.
• Provides support, modeling, and assistance to other hospital staff to reinforce courteous interactions with all customers and clinically appropriate interventions with patients.
• Oversees documentation of social services interventions in the clinical record and follows hospital and departmental policies and procedures as well as discipline-specific standards and expectations with regards to psychosocial assessments, progress notes, treatment plans and other required forms and reports.
• The PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER provides clinical analysis and recommendations at diagnostic and treatment review conferences as well as providing information that may directly guide and affect patient treatment and goals.
• Consults with other professional treatment staff regarding various treatment interventions, psychosocial and environmental influences, the availability of community resources and needs for discharge.
• Participates on department and hospital-wide committees.
Assists in covering social service needs throughout the hospital.

PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER TRAINEE:

• Trains in a wide variety of review and practice areas of a highly professional nature to gather sensitive background material from patients, family members, service providers and guardians as well as reading past clinical records to complete intake and clinical, psychosocial assessments; makes clinical plan recommendations for care, interventions, and aftercare needs.
• Establishes and maintains highly sensitive contacts with a wide range of community agencies. The nature of these contacts requires exercising considerable judgment and sensitivity, as the outcome can affect quantity and quality of services provided to patients.
• Maintains and monitors therapeutic relationships with patients, guardians, family members, and significant others to assess, mobilize and access social, financial, and residential resources needed to promote recovery both during and after hospitalization; discusses the progress of therapeutic planning with the Senior Psychiatric Social Worker ensure the effectiveness of applications.
• Applies comprehensive psychosocial assessment, in coordination with supervisor, treatment team, patient/guardian, and family/significant others, to ensure that ongoing discussions for discharge planning and mitigation of issues occur. Consults with other professional treatment staff regarding interventions, psychosocial and environmental influences, and about the availability of community resources for successful discharge planning.
• Applies knowledge of broad range evidence-based and established therapeutic techniques in providing individual, family, and group therapy on assigned cases and based on program needs under the guidance of the Senior Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor; collaborates with other professionals as needed.
• Utilizes interventions consistent with current research relevant to developmental, cultural and disability-specific needs. Gathers information to analyze the efficacy of interventions and documents this in the clinical record.
• Observes and participates in the initiation of, guardianship and/or involuntary commitment proceedings consistent with RSA 464-A and RSA 135 and provides these interventions in congruency with the Social Work Code of Ethics. Monitors other legal issues such as the status of probation/parole involvement, pending court hearings for criminal or civil actions, facilitates appropriate participation of the patient in these proceedings; as a trainee, may provide testimony or observe court hearings if necessary with Senior Psychiatric Social Worker guidance.
• Provides support, modeling, and assistance to other hospital staff to reinforce courteous interactions with all customers and clinically appropriate interventions with patients.
• Learns and applies documentation protocols, processes, and materials for social services interventions and clinical records; applies hospital and departmental policies and procedures as well as discipline-specific standards concerning psychosocial assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, and other required forms and reports.
• Participates on department and hospital-wide committees.
Assists in covering social service needs throughout the hospital.

Staff Workplace Safety Accountabilities

Ensures compliance with established hospital and departmental safety policies and procedures by:

• Conducting periodic (minimum quarterly basis) on site reviews
• Completing competency-based review when applicable.
• Providing on the spot reinforcement/training on safety issues; referring staff to formal training program as appropriate.
Recording safety related initiatives for annual reporting

Total Commitment to Quality

Participates in the formulation of the mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives for the Department. Carries out same by acting as an agent of the Department within the hospital. Supports the organizational mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives as demonstrated by a positive leadership presence in unit based, departmental, hospital wide, or in public meetings/committees.

Participates in the process of continuous quality improvement by supporting unit‑based quality improvement activities. Demonstrates commitment to customer service values in professional conduct and by promoting such values in assigned staff.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: The supplemental job description lists typical examples of work and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to a position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.

For further information please contact Sharon O'Neill, Assistant Director of Social Work, Sharon.E.ONeill@dhhs.nh.gov or 603-271-5386.

You may also contact Human Resources at NHH-HR@dhhs.nh.gov.

*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:

HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:

The actual value of State-paid health benefits is based on the employee's union status, and employee per pay period health benefit contributions will vary depending on the type of plan selected.

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 13.85% of pay

Other Benefits:

o Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)

o Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts

o State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan

o Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan

o $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low cost group life insurance

o Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:

EOE

TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964