Psychiatric Social Worker I

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include, but are not limited to:

Interviews and evaluates patients and family members to obtain psychosocial history.
Performs trauma-focused biopsychosocial assessments of TRC clients and family members in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, the client, family members and significant others with the goal of highlighting the client’s strengths, limitations, and internal/external supports and service needs in order to optimize functional status and develop a recovery-focused plan to address respective trauma.
Contributes to the development of a treatment plan with the client based on this assessment and help determine the most effective treatment method/s consistent with the client’s overall needs.
The treatment plan will contain measurable, achievable treatment goals. The treatment plan will be completed within the time-line prescribed by the mental health team leader and will be updated every month or more frequently if there is a change in the client’s condition or needs.
Assesses patients' learning needs regarding mental health issues as well as other problems including substance abuse, psychiatric and medical disorders, and will incorporate a teaching plan into the overall plans for treatment.
Makes rapid assessments and develops crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs. In the event of a medical or psychiatric emergency, staff will follow protocols developed for respective situations.
May conduct individual psychotherapy and family therapy designed to address the complexity of problems related to the client’s respective trauma.
May serve as primary therapist in evidence-based treatment groups.
Will be equipped to utilize various clinical treatment modalities including Evidence-Based Psychotherapy (EBP) approaches specific to PTSD and trauma recovery such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), etc. as directed by the TRC mental health team leader.
Caseload will consist of complex clients, all of whom have histories of trauma, including acute and chronic physical and sexual abuse, and are victims of interpersonal violence such as sexual assault, physical assault, domestic violence, gunshot wounds, political torture, and immigration trauma. Many clients also have concurrent medical conditions, psychosocial problems, and may have substance use disorders as well.
May visit patients at home for purpose of outreach and follow-up if patient is unable to keep regularly scheduled appointments.
Ensures coverage in all program component areas and demonstrates a cooperative team spirit in providing backup coverage as needed/assigned to prevent disruption of patient care activities.
Utilizes knowledge of the mental health, medical, and community resources in Los Angeles and maintains familiarity with new programs.
Will participate in regular team meetings and case review.
Will liaison with law enforcement, public services, and community-based organizations.
Facilitates coordination of services among various agencies; advocates for and links client to needed services.
May help eligible clients apply for disability benefits, Cal/VCP (Victims of Crime) benefits, and other financial entitlements.
Provides assistance with U-Visas and psychological asylum evaluations as needed and as relevant to their scope of competence.
Serves as a client advocate and liaison with the District Attorney’s Office and Police Department for victims of crime wishing to file police reports, restraining orders, etc.
Attends applicable EBP trainings at the direction and approval of the mental health team leader and clinical supervisor.
Will co-facilitate regular team meetings and case review.
Documents all patient care assessments, interventions, and treatment progress in applicable system (ORCHID CPRS in a timely and professional manner.
Identifies learning needs and utilizes clinical supervisor to develop clinical skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Hybrid Schedule (Remote and in office), General Office Setting, Indoors Temperature Controlled.

May include field outreach as treatment centers or community based organizations.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Excellent documentation and clinical skills, ability to set priorities, work independently, excellent follow-up, work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
Experience with complex case management, outreach, and home visits.
Excellent organizational and strong interpersonal skills.
Must demonstrate cultural humility and a strengths-based, recovery philosophy.
Must be able to move between different treatment approaches (clinical case management and evidence-based, trauma-focused psychotherapy) depending on the needs of the client.
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Proficient with Adobe Acrobat software.
Knowledge of the functioning of the healthcare setting.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organization and time management skills.

Teaching, training, and program development:

Participates in in-service trainings and case conferences.
Conducts community presentations.
May assist with program development, including identification and implementation of types of appropriate measurement-guided mental health treatment.
May serve as a preceptor or field instructor to graduate-level social work interns. Will work with students to develop training needs and goals, and assess student progress and performance.

Record keeping, administration, and other duties:

Maintain client records according to California, City, and County requirements.
Documents all patient care assessments, interventions, and treatment progress in applicable system (ORCHID CPRS in a timely and professional manner consistent with Joint Commission and State standards.
Assists in data collection for program evaluation and research purposes; works collaboratively with those conducting primary research and evaluation efforts.
Attends staff meetings and other assigned meetings; participates in training sessions.
Performs other related duties as assigned and needed for the function of the TRC.

Education/Experience:

Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited university and registered as an Associate Clinical Social Worker with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Must maintain license/registration in good standing with the Board of Behavioral Sciences at all times.
Bilingual Spanish strongly preferred but not mandatory.

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances:

A valid and active Associate Clinical Social Worker registration issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Master of Social Work graduates must become registered as an Associate Clinical Social Worker with the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Behavioral Sciences within sixty (60) days from commencement of employment. Active and valid Associate Clinical Social Worker registration must be maintained continuously until successful completion of the examination process for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Registered Associate Clinical Social Workers must obtain licensure within six (6) years from the original date of registration with the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Behavioral Sciences. Failure to obtain licensure within the aforementioned timeframes may result in termination.
A valid California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
Successful clearance of LA County Live Scan Process and Medical Clearance Process.