Clinical Social Worker-ASW

About the role

The Associate Social Worker (ASW) will be onsite conducting clinic-based assessments, brief crisis intervention, engage in evidence-based practices and provide ongoing counseling based on the needs of the patient. The ASW will serve as part of a multidisciplinary team at each clinic.

Responsibilities

• Conducting clinic crisis interventions when requested.
• Conducting triage to determine and assist with immediate client needs including psychiatric crisis management, basic needs such as food, water, and emergency shelter.
• Utilizing a harm reduction model when working with clients with chemical dependency or substance use disorders.
• Refer to case management or housing navigation staff to conduct assessment (VI-SPDAT) to determine housing and service needs and begin navigation process to assist clients to obtain permanent housing.
• Continue to work with Case Management and Housing navigation staff throughout the engagement to coordinate interventions and ensure care plans are appropriate and use SMART goals.
• Provide clinical assessments for clients, including those referred by other clinic staff.
• Carefully coordinate with Case Management staff to ensure navigation services are provided to clients by assisting clients to obtain documents and services needed to obtain housing.
• Participate in weekly Staff meeting and MTD’s to coordinate and strategize interventions with specific patients ensuring engagement of those least likely to seek assistance and prioritize those with the highest needs.
• Provide coaching for other support staff within scope of practice and improve use of evidence-based practices including motivational interviewing and harm reduction.
• Conduct functional and strength-based assessment along with comprehensive diagnosis for mental health, substance abuse, trauma, and psychosocial needs.
• Develop patient care plans that are coordinated and integrated with a comprehensive range of medical and psychosocial services to address social, emotional, and practical needs.
• Provide psychotherapy, counseling, and psycho-education utilizing individual, family, and group modalities using evidence-based interventions for patients and their significant others.
• Consult with primary care providers to enhance understanding of the patient, provide support for treatment approaches that incorporate behavioral health needs, and assist with implementation of bio-psychosocial treatment and care plans.
• Provide consultation to and coordinate care for patients needing specialty mental health and/or substance use disorder services.
• Advocate for patients within organizations and community to ensure access to appropriate care.
• Be available to primary medical care staff during working hours for crisis intervention in the event of a psychiatric emergency and assist staff in the event of any other kind of emergency.
• Complete all charting in a timely manner (24-48 hours) and as required by regulations and JWCH policies, including assessments, progress notes, care plans, and billing documentation.
• Maintain all licensing documentation including Supervision agreement and log of hours in accordance with BBS regulations.
• Support client involvement in planning, implementing, and evaluating services.
• Complete data collection forms and prepare reports as required by the program.
• Participate in JWCH’s customer service training called AIDET on an annual basis.
• Demonstrate an understanding of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You) to apply in patient encounters or team discussions.
• Utilize the AIDET communication framework to communicate with patients and team members in a manner that reduces patient anxiety, increases patient compliance, and improves clinical outcomes.
• Other duties as assigned and within scope of practice.

Qualifications

• A Clinical Social Work Registration with BBS as an Associate Clinical Social Worker.
• A Master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university.
• Experience working with low income and/or homeless individuals.
• A demonstrated high level of respect, concern and attention to client needs for the duration of client assistance through engagement, navigation, and transition to housing.
• A demonstrated knowledgeable about and basic competence in the following areas: harm reduction, motivational interviewing, strengths-based care, participant centered care, and trauma-informed care.
• A demonstrated understanding of the impact of trauma on behavioral and medical conditions.
• Experience with evidence-based short-term behavioral health interventions.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability preferred.

Skills

• Knowledge of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and Housing First.
• Ability to work in environments where participants are living outdoor locations including those that are hidden, near bridges, parks or on the streets.
• Proficiency in evidence-based short-term behavioral health interventions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums, Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible), Paid time off (vacation, sick leave), 13 paid holidays, 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan, Mileage reimbursement, Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD), Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!