Job Summary

The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) evaluates and diagnoses mental and emotional disorders of individuals through interview, assessment, observation, and screening in order to formulate a course of mental health therapy treatment, provide treatment through direct clinical services as well as consultation with other providers, and make appropriate referrals.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• N/A

Essential Functions/ Responsibilities

• Performs a comprehensive psychosocial assessment that reflects an advanced understanding of mental illnesses, and psychosocial issues.
  • Demonstrates the ability to perform a comprehensive psychosocial assessment which examines presenting problems as well as relevant bio-psychosocial and environmental factors.
  • Completes and records therapist assessments within departmental time standards.
  • Formulates a diagnosis using the current DSM criteria and develops an initial treatment plan, addressing identified needs, problems, and areas requiring further evaluation.
  • Coordinates referrals when indicated to the appropriate internal or community resources.
• Functions independently in providing psychotherapy to treat mental disorders, alleviate emotional distress, and facilitate adaptive behavior, personal growth, and development.
  • Demonstrates clinical expertise to achieve therapeutic outcomes with patients using age-appropriate interventions that may include individual, group, or family treatment modalities.
  • Evaluates patient progress toward treatment goals and revises the plan of care as needed.
  • Documents patient progress in a clear, consistent, and timely manner.
  • Demonstrates the capacity to form a therapeutic alliance with patients and families.
  • Exercises clinical judgment and obtains consultation when needed.
• Collaborates with a multi-disciplinary team when needed for patient development and ongoing evaluation of the patient treatment plan.
  • Provides a treatment plan which reflects an advanced knowledge of psychotherapeutic interventions and an understanding of age-appropriate developmental needs.
  • Demonstrates in therapist plan of care adequate assessment of the needs and perception of the patients and patient’s family members when applicable.
  • Evidence of knowledge of the principles of leadership and effective team building in interactions with other team members.
• Complies with required standards for medical/legal responsibilities.
  • Adheres to mandatory reporting requirements for cases of suspected abuse, vulnerable adults and other child and adult protective services.
  • Complies with procedures when serving as an informant for mental health or substance abuse commitments.
  • Provides patient and family education concerning the medical legal issued guardianship, commitment, and power of attorney.
• Accountable to continuously improve and develop in the therapist profession of work and to support the continuous improvement of the department and institution.
  • Attends and/or participates in educational activities to improve clinical knowledge, enhance role performance, and increase knowledge of professional issues.
  • Participates in departmental and institutional committees and work teams as requested or assigned.
  • Collaborates with staff to identify and carry out continuous improvement plans for the Therapist/Behavioral Health practice.
• Demonstrates professional standards and conduct.
  • Maintains patient confidentiality by adhering to state, federal and JMHS regulation regarding release of information.
  • Demonstrates leadership ability and interpersonal effectiveness.
  • Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility in response to changing workloads and changes institutional/departmental demands.
  • Maintains ethical conduct and demonstrates appropriate therapeutic boundaries with patients and their families.
  • Provides evidence of current licensures and/or certifications.
• Serves as a resource in the areas of consultation and education.
  • Provides clinical consultation to enhance the abilities of others to provider quality care.
  • Develops and presents in-service programs for professional and community groups.
  • Provide overview of behavioral health program to existing and new employees.
  • Represents JMHS therapists through involvement in committees, and the development of new programs.
  • Performs other duties as specified by administration.

Core Competencies

• Must have an advanced knowledge of mental illness, personality development, knowledge of the types of treatment, and skills in the conducting individual therapy.

• Skills in family and group therapy preferred.

• Strong communication skills are needed to interact with patients, patient’s family members, multidisciplinary team, community agencies, and other resources.

• Must possess psychosocial diagnostic skills, and the ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and in written form.

• Must possess skills in de-escalation techniques.

• Possess time management skills.

• Possess critical thinking skills.

Education/Experience/Licensure

• Master of Psychotherapy with current licensure at the clinical level and eligible to practice independently.
• Knowledge of HIPAA privacy regulations and how to apply them.
• Knowledge and experience using EPIC EHR preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in computer applications (Windows, MS Office, etc.)
• Knowledge of external regulations that affect areas of responsibility.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and standing, bending, and moving.
• Must be able to lift to 15 pounds at times.
• The ability to complete assignments in all types of weather and ever-changing and sometimes allergenic environments including extreme heat, humidity, dust, contamination, cleaning supplies, etc.
• May be exposed to patients with infectious diseases.
• Travel to other facilities or locations is required.
• Mental Demands : This job requires sustained mental effort and ability to deal with stresses that relate to residents, patients, families, and co-workers. Must possess highly developed planning and problem-solving skills and must be able to prioritize and meet deadlines. This job will require critical thinking skills that will be necessary for the tasks to be completed effectively and efficiently.