Social Worker

JOB TITLE: Licensed Social Worker

DEPARTMENT: Social Work

REPONSIBLE TO: Director of Social Work

LICENSURE: LMSW, LCSW, or LCSW-C

EXPERIENCE: This individual must have at least two (2) years of clinical and administrative experience providing direct services to individuals in a behavioral health setting.

General Summary of Responsibilities:

The Licensed Social Worker will provide psychotherapy and case management services to clients seeking mental health services in our Social Work Department diagnoses to improve wellness and decrease barriers impacting social determinants of health (i.e., homelessness). This position includes providing direct psychotherapy services to a diverse population of individuals experiencing a range of mental health needs including HIV positive individuals. In addition to providing direct clinical services, the Licensed Social Worker, at times, provides, case management services, including referrals, evaluations, and service deliver to individual, families and/or groups, as appropriate. Lastly, the Licensed Social Worker maintains administrative responsibility of timely submission of all clinical documentation in accordance with the policy guidelines set forth in the Social Work Policy and Procedure Guide.

The Licensed Social Worker functions as an integral part of a fully integrated, multidisciplinary treatment team. This clinician will support the integration of our Social Work Department and Hidden Garden Program to provide comprehensive mental health services to a variety of patients, including HIV positive individuals. The clinician will uphold the principles set forth in the NASW Code of Ethics when assessing symptoms and supporting the development and maintenance of skills required to help clients overcome challenges associated with environmental stressors. This clinician will also provide clinical treatment for PWHS clients experiencing a variety of emotional and environmental stressors. This position reports to the Director of Social Work and works collaboratively with members of the Hidden Garden Program.

NATURE OF WORK:

• Represent the Social Work Program within the Social Work Department, in working collaboratively with the Hidden Garden Program by contributing to a patient-centered vision, policies and procedure, infrastructure and practical application, evidence-based practices and regulatory compliance recommendations.

• Perform all job duties assigned including prevention, case management, assessment, treatment planning.

• Provide direct clinical services to PWHS patients, including administering biopsychosocial intake assessments, diagnostic screenings and individual, family, and/or group therapy and external referrals for mental health disorders, as needed.

• Provide crisis intervention as needed to clients/families to assist with addressing their emotional and behavioral health needs related to mental health issues, substance use disorders, physical health issues, and psychosocial stressors, and to encourage compliance with treatment recommendations.

• Document clinical encounters as set forth by agency and licensing agency guidelines in support of patient care and established billing practices.

• Adhere to the Department of Social Work’s policies and procedures, and comply with all applicable federal, state, county and city laws and COMAR regulations.

DUTIES:

• Provide psychotherapy to HIV positive individuals, couples and/or families and maintain an ongoing caseload of at least 15 billable service hours per week.

• Provide case management and crisis intervention services to individuals; including external service connection, evaluation of suicidal or homicidal ideation, connection to housing, financial and community resources, as needed.

• Complete biopsychosocial assessments for individuals seeking psychotherapy or case management services.

• Complete treatment plans using SMART goals for all assigned clients in accordance with agency and COMAR regulations.

• Screen patients for physical illness and analyze explanations for psychiatric illness, such as developmental issues, family dysfunction, genetics, neurological trauma or social or cultural problems.

• Assessment of risk factors for mental illness and broader wellness evaluations using evidence-based outcome measures.

• Work with other medical professionals to evaluate or change treatment plans as apart of a multidisciplinary team.

• Maintain confidentiality and patient privacy in accordance with NASW and HIPPA regulations and best practices

• Document care provided timely using patient- centered and trauma-informed language; meeting standards for quarterly chart reviews.

• Seek consultations as appropriate, act as a consultant as requested.

• Facilitate the process of ethical decision making as appropriate.

• Perform comprehensive assessments and refer patients for further care and services when necessary or appropriate.

• Navigate and document in an electronic medical record.

• Present self with a professional demeanor and represents the organization/ department in a positive manner.

• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have a current social work license to practice within the State of Maryland, LMSW, LCSW or LSWC

• Must have clinical knowledge of the factors associated with mental health and substance use disorders.

• Ability to comprehensively assess the emotional, mental, physical, and social functioning of persons, using evidence-based tools, observation, and knowledge of the behaviors and patterns associated with mental health disorders.

• Demonstrate understanding of the clinical issues, including ethics, values, standards, policies, and practices of an integrated behavioral health program in a healthcare system.

• Ability to communicate and work productively and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, including primary care medical staff, dental, and other behavioral health disciplines.

• Must have interpersonal skills and the ability to develop rapport and effectively work with persons/families with mental health disorders and various community support representatives.

• Knowledge of community resources and the ability to research and locate new resources within the community, to assist clients with utilizing community services to support the recovery process.

• Knowledge of culturally sensitive language and trauma-informed care.

• Ability to work independently and practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Skilled in addressing crises in a flexible and patient manner.

Benefits:

Recognized site for U.S. Department of Education Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Recognized site for HRSA National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program

Continuing Medical Education Reimbursement

Paid Vacation and Sick Leave

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Short-term Disability

Health Savings Accounts