Social Worker I/II (CSWA or LCSW) OUS - temporary position

About the role

Clinical Social Workers evaluate the psychosocial and mental health issues of patients to ensure transition planning, crisis management, and planning/coordination of both internal and external services. They assess intervention strategies to address behavioral and addiction issues, as well as end-of-life care and informed decision making about therapeutic options. They advocate for patients, their surrogates, family members, caregivers, and health care providers. The role provides social work services in a variety of adult and pediatric settings across the health care continuum with a focus on holistic patient-centered care and attention to the needs of vulnerable populations. Social workers work both independently and collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team. Throughout the care continuum, they utilize a strengths-based approach with the aim to enhance the capacity of people to address their own needs.

This position is based at Unity Center for Behavioral Health, a 24-hour behavioral and mental health services center located in the greater Portland metropolitan area. Unity Center provides immediate psychiatric care and a path to stabilization and recovery for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, offering mental health treatment to adults and adolescents aged 9 to 17. The Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) serves adults 18 and older. The center uses a trauma-informed approach to assessment and treatment.

Responsibilities

• Provide social work services in a variety of adult and pediatric settings across the health care continuum, with a focus on holistic patient-centered care and the needs of vulnerable populations.
• Work both independently and collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Conduct comprehensive evaluation of psychosocial and mental/behavioral health status, legal and safety considerations, substance use or addiction, chronic illness, or end of life issues.
• Provide brief counseling, transition planning, crisis management, and planning and coordination with internal and community stakeholders.
• Deliver social work intervention with individuals, family members, or groups.
• Apply a strengths-based approach to enhance the capacity of people to address their own needs.

Qualifications

Clinical Social Worker I (CSWA)

• Education: Master of Social Work degree from an accredited School of Social Work required.
• Experience: Preferred 1 year of relevant experience in care management, mental health and/or addictions services, medical social work, or social service organization.

Clinical Social Worker II (LCSW)

• 2 years relevant experience in care management, mental health and/or addictions services, medical social work, or social service organization required.
• Preferred: 3 years relevant experience.

Skills

• Broad knowledge of the principles of social work and the ability to apply them with individuals, families, and/or groups, integrating knowledge of normal development and the aging process, changes related to illness, and the needs of patients with acute, chronic, and terminal illness in assessment and intervention, with attention to cultural and literacy implications.
• Knowledge of medical, mental health, and substance use diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures, including acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries; common medications and their effects/side effects; and medical terminology.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills, including the ability to effectively triage patient and family needs, function as a member of an interdisciplinary team, identify and collaborate with community stakeholders or resources, and complete written documentation.
• Knowledge of social determinants of health, principles of diversity/equity/inclusion, and culturally responsive practice with populations who have experienced historical marginalization.
• Ability to locate, utilize, and advocate for patient/family access to hospital and community resources.
• Knowledge of legal/regulatory issues and ability to serve as a resource to all team members regarding such issues.
• Ability to navigate electronic medical records and effectively utilize basic computer programs.
• Knowledge of legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements and the current health care environment.

Licensure

Clinical Social Worker I (CSWA)

• Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA, working toward LCSW) required in Oregon.
• Licensed Social Worker (LSWAIC, working toward LICSW) required in Washington.
• Must be able to obtain CSWA within 45 days of hire. May perform non-clinical work until CSWA is obtained.

Clinical Social Worker II (LCSW)

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Oregon, or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington, required.

Pay

USD $41.24 – USD $61.92 per hour. Specific range depends on position:

• Clinical Social Worker I (CSWA): $41.24 – $58.96 per hour
• Clinical Social Worker II (LCSW): $43.30 – $61.92 per hour