The Psychiatric Social Worker is responsible for participation in outpatient services for adults with program staff on the coordination and service plans of all clients assigned to caseload, while making use of social work knowledge of the family and community while performing such duties under the clinical supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Recognizes the need for, and implements treatment of individuals, groups, conjoint or families, directed towards reducing the dysfunction of patients, whether it be reflected in their emotional life, physical symptoms, social or intellectual maladjustment or combination thereof.

Participates in intra-agency or inter-agency conferences and multi discipline staff meetings for the purpose of improving services and coordinating related activities, whether this be in the area of direct services to patient, administrative functioning, or professional growth.

1.       Conducts individual, conjoint or family therapy with assigned patients.

2.       Assists in the formulation and implementation of coordination and service plans.

3.       Participates in the review process to ensure that all clients accomplish full participation in program.

4.       Assures continuity of care.

5.       Responsible for discharge planning.

6.       Participates in-service training for team.

7.       Relieves other primary therapist in the Agency as needed.

8.       Practices confidentiality in client related matters.

9.       Cooperates with fund raising activities for the Agency.

10.   Must have the ability to work with multi cultured and ethnic populations; and

11.   Practices loyalty and commitment to the philosophy, goal and objectives of the Agency.

12.   Maintains records and prepare reports or necessary referrals to assist in the treatment of                   clients.

13.   Serve as liaison to other departments to facilitate communication and referral of clients.

14.   Monitors patients satisfaction with services on a quarterly basis.

15.   Refers to other agencies when appropriate.

Adequate records shall be maintained on each individual patient and shall include diagnostic studies and a record of services provided by the various disciplines to make possible the evaluation of services.  The records shall reflect the following:

·       A psycho-social history

·       Documentation of the presenting problems as given by the client

·       Diagnostic studies/tests and/or a diagnostic interview in sufficient details to sustain a preliminary diagnosis

·       An assessment of how a client's illness impairs his functioning

·       A coordination and service plan which includes treatment goals (short-term and long range).

·       A global assessment scale rating upon entry into treatment

·       Progress notes entries, giving a description of the changes in to client's condition including the client's general response to treatment and observations of psychosocial and physical manifestations

·       Progress notes are to be dated

·       Progress note entries signed with at least the first initial and surname of the therapist.

·       Records shall be signed and identified by discipline

·       Chart entries signed by social work students, trainees, or volunteers shall be countersigned by a supervisor

·       The records of service provided shall be in sufficient detail to make possible the evaluation of the service and its quality

·       Chart entries shall be legible

·       Contact shall me made for missed appointments either by telephone or letter and documented

·       Cases inactive for thirty (30) days or more shall be completed and closed

·       The discharge summary or note must include:

o   A recapitulation of the client's course of treatment

o   A description of the client's condition on discharge

o   Recommendations concerning follow-up or aftercare

o   The client's immediate disposition upon discharge

·       The discharge summary shall reflect an exit global assessment scale rating

·       A final diagnosis shall be written in standard DSM-IV nomenclature

All patient's records shall be confidential.  Information and records shall be disclosed only to:  professional persons providing the patient with services or referral; qualified professionals involved in conservatorship proceeding in behalf of the patient; persons designated in writing by the patient or by his/her parent (in case of a minor); a patient's guardian or conservator; agencies to whom the patient is making a claim for insurance, aid or medical assistance; agencies designated by the patient to which he/she is applying for life or disability insurance; the courts as necessary to the administration of justice; government law enforcement agencies as needed for the protection of Federal and State elected constitutional officers and their families; the patient's attorney' or an ex-patient's probation officer if both the ex-patient and the medical director agree to it.

·      NEW GRADS ACCEPTED - SIGN OFF FOR HOURS ACCEPTED. 

A Master’s Degree in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy or Clinical Psychology from an accredited college.

·       A valid registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences or license eligible.

·       A minimum of one (1) year experience in a psychiatric facility working with patients who are persistently and severely mentally ill preferred.

·       Physically well, emotionally stable, and good communication skills, both verbal and written.

·       Ability to work with a multidisciplinary treatment team essential.