Clinical Social Worker, LMHC or LICSW / 40 Hours/ MGH-North End (School based clinician)

GENERAL SUMMARY/OVERVIEW STATEMENT

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) provides clinical services with patients and families that address psychological; psychosocial; environmental; age specific; and cultural and linguistic issues to maximize emotional, social and physical well being. Facilitates effective/efficient use of health care and community resources with the primary focus on children and families.

The LICSW conducts psychosocial assessments, develops treatment plans and provides interventions and treatment as indicated. Works effectively as part of the Behavioral Health Department and interdisciplinary health care staff in a blended primary care/population health models of health care delivery, as well as within school systems identified in collaborative models of care.

Provides social work consultation to other disciplines within the Health Center, schools and community. May facilitate clinical education of social work interns/staff. Participates on departmental/Health Center wide task forces/committees.

Clinical Practice:

• Screens patients who request behavioral health services or are referred by internal and/or outside providers. Intake Assessment. (Including CANS?)
• Conducts biopsychosocial assessments and diagnostic evaluations of patients and families with social, emotional, interpersonal, environmental and/or psychiatric issues. Formulates a diagnosis using the DSM 5, determines disposition and treatment plans. Provides/mandates assessments when abuse is suspected (child, disabled adult, elder) and specialized safety assessment when violence is suspected.
• Collaborates and coordinates care with various systems and community organizations, as well as caregivers and families to promote the effective treatment of children and adolescents
• Provides direct guidance and counseling to parents/caregivers/guardians of patients, meeting with them when necessary, as part of treatment
• Provides educational advocacy and support services to patients and families, and collaborates with schools to develop 504 or IEP plans as necessary
• Employs a range of clinical interventions such as psychotherapy (individual, couples, families, group); psychosocial counseling, crisis intervention, short-term behavioral focused treatment, care coordination/case management; information and referral and safety planning.
• Works effectively as part of the Behavioral Health Team and Primary Care and provides clinical consultation on patient-care planning and patient/family management.
• Credentialed as mental health providers, social workers may be members of specialty referral networks and provide care within the parameters of managed care. Are familiar with Prior Authorizations and financial risks.
• Presents and/or discusses clinical work in formal and informal case reviews and seminars and inter- and intra-departmental peer review meetings.
• Participates in formal P.I. and Q.I. activities.
• Takes on-site duties; performs other duties as assigned.

Teaching and Education:

• Assesses patients’ learning needs, styles and readiness. Educates patients regarding safety plans, and community resources.
• Educates other providers, NEWH staff and community agencies on behavioral health issues.
• May mentor or supervise graduate students or staff. May teach in departmental and health center workshops or talks.

Collaboration:

• Collaborates and consults with patient, families and providers within the health center and outside to develop and implement outpatient mental health services.
• Collaborates with school systems, providing school-based treatment as indicated. Communicates and collaborates with school referral sources and partners including social work, guidance counselors, and Student Support team/director
• Refers to and collaborates with interdisciplinary specialists and programs, outside agencies, facilities, payors, and other relevant community resources.

Organization/Administrative Skills:

• Takes responsibility for own administrative duties, including timely and appropriate documentation in patient medical records, timely and accurate daily reporting of scheduling information and accurate reporting of time worked.
• Attends weekly Behavioral Health Team Meetings, interdisciplinary high risk rounds, and monthly staff meetings.
• Attends relevant school meetings and events (Student Support and Guidance team meetings)
• Participates in departmental and health center committees.

Professional Conduct:

• Adheres to the profession’s clinical standards and Code of Ethics.
• Promotes patient/family satisfaction.
• Promotes sensitivity to race, class, and cultural and sexual diversity.
• Adheres to the NEWH’s standards, policies and procedures.
• Promotes Behavioral Health Services’ and Health Centers’ public relations.
• Promotes collaborative relationship with Charlestown High School/Boston Public Schools

Professional Development:

• Is responsible for own professional development. Attends pertinent continuing education and professional activities related to job responsibilities and career goals..

• Maintains Massachusetts Licensure at highest level of eligibility (LICSW/LMHC)

Patient Population:

• Children 2-12 Adolescents 13-17 Adults 18-64

• MSW or MA MHC / M Ed for LMHC applicants
• Massachusetts Licensure at the highest level of eligibility (LICSW) or Mental Health Counseling at highest level of eligibility (LMHC)
• 3-5 years post-graduate experience working with children and adolescents in mental health or school-based setting preferred
• Demonstrates personal qualities of leadership and knowledge of health care and school-based systems

• Strong assessment and treatment skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate effective orally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling effective team collaboration.
• Educational background and experience caring for medically underserved population(s)
• Experience serving residents of public housing preferred

• In depth knowledge of mental health diagnoses, procedures and treatments, related medications, acuity versus chronicity, effect on normal growth and development.
• Understanding of child and adolescent psychopathology and proficiency in biopsychosocial and family assessment
• Extensive knowledge of available resources and services, including CBHI services, partial and inpatient hospitalization programs, addiction services, BEST, etc., and understanding on how to access these services
• Fluent in English/Spanish required
• Ability to provide mental health evaluations and assessments, develop treatment plans that are behaviorally specific, short-term and long- term treatment with individuals, families, couples and/or groups.
• Crisis intervention/treatment/management skills.
• Demonstrate competency in age-specific behaviors; cultural and linguistic issues, and developmental stages.
• Knowledge of community agencies, resources. Ability to advocate/negotiate systems for/with clients.
• Documents in medical record according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains patient/family confidentiality.
• Demonstrate ability to coordinate and collaborate with school based staff