Social Workers establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with individuals and their families by effectively utilizing professional social work skills.  They may review the individuals psychiatric, medical and other case records and discuss issues with families and other members of the treatment team. Complete admission screening; conduct psychosocial assessments; make treatment recommendations; participate in treatment planning; provide social casework services; provide individual, group, and family therapy; assess availability of services; serve as consumer advocate; develop and implement discharge plans; and coordinate services with community providers.  Incumbents advocate ensure individuals receive appropriate treatment/services that their legal and human rights are protected and promote effective and consistent utilization of services and resources. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Interviews individual after a thorough review of the record to construct the psychosocial assessment. Obtains psychosocial history by interviewing the individual, the family, significant others, and former service providers to formulate clinical recommendations for therapeutic interventions. Assesses individuals' treatment needs. Prioritizes the individual's treatment needs; assesses impact of treatment on the individual and the family; assesses ability of significant others to assist in the treatment planning process; and involves the individual and significant others in a comprehensive treatment plan; and in some settings, determines which individuals are appropriate for other levels of care. Participates in the development of a written comprehensive individualized treatment plan that is based on the assessment of the individuals clinical needs; determines need for services and ensures that referrals for ancillary, support and consultative services are noted and made; reviews and updates individual treatment plan according to all applicable guidelines and in response to clinical change; and ensures that arrangements are made and documented for continuation of care well in advance of individuals planned departure. Provides individual therapy to enhance social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Advises the individual and family about the nature of the illness, needed and available services and how to access them. May identify, coordinate and plan for the individuals' financial needs. May identify and provide intervention to individuals in crisis in a range of settings; or provides consultation to others to enable them to appropriately intervene. Assesses the individual's readiness for discharge; identifies needed resources; works with consumers/patients, families and providers to link him/her with appropriate resources; may conduct follow-up visits. Prepares required progress notes, treatment team recommendations, written and verbal reports, discharge plans and other documents within required timeframes. As an integral member of the treatment team, ensures that all relevant clinicians are kept informed of the individuals clinical needs, family social adjustment, services needed and their availability through clear documentation of the record. Conducts group life-skills training, treatment, or group counseling sessions. Prepares an outline of objectives and conducts sessions according to treatment program schedule. Meets with assigned group according to treatment schedule. Conducts specialized groups to meet the needs of target populations. Maintains topic-focused discussion. Provides opportunities for participation. Ensures that content of group sessions is consistent with objective of treatment plan and meets the needs of the individual members. Ensures that individual attendance and participation in sessions is documented. Documents, within required timeframes, the content and results of group counseling or therapy. Periodically evaluates the effectiveness of assigned group sessions, and based on the evaluation results, makes any changes indicated.  Provides treatment to family or significant others or advocates for such services: Reviews and evaluates the involvement of family/significant others in treatment and carries out corrective action as appropriate and/or makes recommendations and/or referrals for needed services such as mental health issues, safe homes for domestic violence, parenting skills, and how to apply for financial assistance. Takes a lead role in on-going efforts to increase the involvement of family/significant others in treatment program. Prepares an outline of family program sessions and objectives. Facilitates family education session according to treatment plan May supervise social work students. Meets with staff on caseload and identified issues. Prepares performance program and discusses these duties with staff; prepares and completes a written performance program according to agency guidelines; monitors and evaluates performance. Establishes work schedules; monitors time and attendance taking corrective action where necessary; approves and disapproves requests for time off.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to work with clients, families, and staff in a caring and respectful manner, and with due understanding of and consideration for cultural differences. Ability to develop, evaluate, implement and modify a treatment plan, meeting all deadlines and productivity standards Ability to communicate effectively with staff, clients, families, and the public. Ability to prepare accurate and timely documentation, reports and other written material as assigned using computers and computer software assigned (e.g., IMA, Word, Anasazi, etc.) Ability to understand and adhere to internal and external laws, rules, and policies Ability to secure the cooperation of and work effectively with others Ability to work independently, and to conform to all applicable safety and accountability measures

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Licensed by New York State as a Master Licensed Social Worker or as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker; current, valid registration certificate.  Experience with the type of clientele served by the particular clinic very helpful.  Must be eligible for full and unconditional participation in the Medicaid and Medicare programs. May be required to possess a valid NYS driving license and a clear driving record. 

FOR ALL POSITIONS:  Continued employment is based on the ability to maintain professional licensure, current registration and participation in the Medicaid and Medicare programs.