EDUCATION: MSW degree from a graduate school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
LICENSURE: Licensure as an independent clinical social worker in the state of Vermont.
WORK EXPERIENCE: 3 5 years of clinical practice experience preferred but new graduates will be considered on a case-by-case basis; knowledge of current behavioral medicine approaches; ability to utilize cognitive-behavioral and dialectical interventions; understanding of mind body and biopsychosocial implications of health; strong written/verbal skills; ability to complete all written paperwork in a timely manner essential (written assessments, plans, progress notes, etc.); good organizational and problem solving skills; experience with addictions assessment and treatment; ability to present in a professional manner benefiting the organization; knowledge of the principles, standards, and ethics of Social Work and ability to demonstrate such ethics when working with client/patient populations; knowledge of transference and counter transference; willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings; ability to seek supervision when needed or appropriate; strong diagnosis and assessment skills, psychotherapy, case management, and crisis intervention skills; knowledge of mental health and substance abuse laws and regulations; past experience in medical settings or with interdisciplinary teams a plus; ability to handle counter transference reaction during stressful work situations; ability to work in an interagency collaboration; ability to obtain and maintain credentials and privileges as an LRHC clinical social worker.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Normal office conditions. However, should be able to get on the floor if working with children.
POSITION OBJECTIVE: Under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Services Coordinator, the Clinical Social Worker will provide effective clinical and medical social work services to patients of Little Rivers Health Care. The Social Worker will conduct rapid assessment, diagnosis; provide brief counseling support and
longer term psychotherapy, medical case management, conduct crisis interventions and behavioral medicine interventions. The Clinical Social Worker will work as part of a medical team with other providers and other LRHC staff and will conduct social work consultations in order to assess mental health and substance abuse disorders and make treatment recommendations. The Clinical Social Worker will also assist with accessing benefits and resources, including health insurance, disability insurance, affordable medications, WIC, transportation, and other resources as needed.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: The Clinical Social Worker may be asked to attend community organizational activities or to represent LRHC in coalitions and other community functions.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
CLINICAL SERVICE
Provide services below within clinics and/or schools in LRHC’s scope of project:
1. Conduct rapid assessments and diagnose mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.
2. Make treatment recommendations and recommendations regarding appropriate levels of care for mental health and substance abuse treatment.
3. Provide psychotherapy and substance abuse treatment
4. Provide brief behavioral medicine clinical interventions and psycho education to patients.
5. Provide crisis assessment, intervention, and stabilization.
6. Facilitate psychotherapeutic groups which may include the following topics: smoking cessation, chronic pain management, relaxation, substance abuse support, and other behavioral health/behavioral medicine topics.
7. Assist in the provision of medical case management/ care coordination services to patients.
8. Assist patients with obtaining community resources and all benefits to which they may be entitled. Assist patients with application to state and federal programs including VHAP, Healthy Babies, Medicaid, TANF, food stamps, WIC, housing programs, and SSI/SSD, assist with transportation planning, and help access other resources as needed.
9. Provide HIV counseling and conduct early prevention and intervention. The Clinical Social Worker will help clients to understand risks and to change behaviors that increase risk of contracting HIV.
10. Provide smoking cessation support.
11. Assess for domestic violence issues. Assist patient with safety planning, restraining orders, and referrals to appropriate agencies.
12. Other functions or duties as assigned.
ADMINISTRATION
1. Complies with all paperwork including progress notes, computer data entry, and releases of information, written assessments, treatment and case management plans.
2. Participate in Quality Improvement projects.
SUPERVISION
Attends regular individual supervision as appropriate with the Director of Behavioral Health Services.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
1. Reviews own educational/clinical needs with supervisor and pursues as appropriate.
2. Attends conferences/trainings in order to meet CEU requirements for continued licensure.
3. Assesses own educational needs in terms of knowledge necessary to the job position (including information related to: diagnosis, assessment, behavioral medicine and dialectical approaches, Cognitive Behavioral treatment and other evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety disorders, trauma, substance abuse assessment and treatment, crisis intervention, HIV-related issues,
and others) and works with the supervisor to create a professional development plan to address knowledge gaps.
GENERAL
Attends other staff, departmental and interdepartmental team meetings as assigned/applicable.