Job Abstract

Job Summary:

Provides psychosocial assessment of patients. Provides supportive counseling and education to patients and families. Provides linkage to resources in the community. Responsible for developing treatment and discharge plans.

Essential Functions:

Group Psychotherapy:

• Conducts educational group sessions, displaying good theoretical knowledge of subject matter and effective communication skills in presenting material
• Prepares a group topic that is appropriate based on the patient population

Individual/Family Psychotherapy:

• Provides family sessions, which demonstrate good theoretical knowledge of therapeutic principles
• Makes referrals as appropriate
• Provides ongoing education to patients and families as needed

Abuse Issues:

• Can identify victims of abuse
• Knows the protocol for reporting abuse
• Know the classes of abuse

Documentation:

• Completes progress notes according to department standard
• Progress notes reflect the patient’s progress towards their short-term goals
• Progress notes are legible.

Treatment Plan:

• Assists with the development of individualized treatment plans for each patient
• Treatment plans are written according to policy
• Treatment plan goals are measurable
• Treatment plans are legible.

Time Management Skills:

• In periods of increased workload demonstrates an ability to set priorities and optimally uses work time
• Demonstrates an ability to meet deadlines

Psychosocial Assessment:

• Psychosocial Assessments are done according to state/department standards
• Demonstrates good interviewing, diagnostic, and report writing skills

Patient Advocacy:

• Advocates for services assigned patients
• Completes forms to assist the patient regarding appropriate entitlements Crisis Management:
• Demonstrates an ability to evaluate a patient in a crisis
• Demonstrates knowledge of the warning signs of aggressive behavior

Mental Status Exam:

• Demonstrate an ability to evaluate a patient’s mental status
• Able to use the exam when developing the treatment plan

Telephone Skills:

• Answers the telephone in a professional manner
• Changes message when appropriate (example vacation)

Discharge Planning:

• Participates in the discharge planning process throughout the treatment process
• Involves the family and referral sources when developing the plan

Age Specific:

• Demonstrates an understanding of the developmental stage of life for assigned patients Trans-cultural Competencies:
• Demonstrates an understanding of different cultures and belief systems
• Able to implement specific interventions for different cultures.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Education/Certifications:

Graduate degree in Social work/ Sociology, master’s in social work required.

Licensure: NJ, LSW or LCSW required.

Minimum Work Experience:

One to three years of acute care setting or behavioral health experience.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Non-exempt full-time regular business hours 37.5-hour work week and must be willing to work holidays, weekends and provide additional coverage as needed.