Clinical Social Worker-ASW

Position Purpose Under the direct supervision of an LCSW, the Associate Social Worker will be onsite conducting clinic-based assessments, brief crisis intervention, engage in evidence-based practices and provide ongoing counseling based on the needs of the patient. Primary evidence-based practices include harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and Housing First. The ASW will serve as part of a multidisciplinary team at each clinic. Goals include reducing barriers, improving health status and compliance and wellbeing of under-served segments of the population of Los Angeles County through the direct provision or coordination of health care, health education and services. This includes interviewing, treating, coordinating, safety planning, and linkage to a full-range of resources that meet practical, social, and emotional needs, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team and community-based programs. Principal Responsibilities All clinical psycho-social services provided by the ASW will be under the direct supervision of JWCH LCSW. Duties will include conducting clinic crisis interventions when requested. Conducting triage to determine and assist with immediate client needs including psychiatric crisis management, basic needs such as food, water, and emergency shelter. Use “best practice” methods to engage patients to encourage them to accept assistance and ongoing care. Utilize a harm reduction model when working with clients with chemical dependency or substance use disorders. After engagement with client, refer to case management or housing navigation staff to conduct assessment (VI-SPDAT) to determine housing and service needs and begin navigation process to assist clients to obtain permanent housing. Continue to work with Case Management and Housing navigation staff throughout the engagement to coordinate interventions and ensure care plans are appropriate and use SMART goals. Provide clinical assessments for clients, including those referred by other clinic staff. Assessments will assist to connect clients to appropriate care, including behavioral health services and/or case management staff. Coordinate with Case Management staff to ensure navigation services are provided to clients by assisting clients to obtain documents and services needed to obtain housing. Work closely with Case Management staff to ensure assistance has been provided with obtaining identification documents, assistance with application for health insurance, assistance in completing applications for housing programs, etc. Participate in weekly Staff meeting and MTD’s to coordinate and strategize interventions with specific patients ensuring engagement of those least likely to seek assistance and prioritize those with the highest needs. Provide coaching for other support staff within scope of practice and improve use of evidence-based practices including motivational interviewing and harm reduction. Conduct functional and strength-based assessment along with comprehensive diagnosis for mental health, substance abuse, trauma, and psychosocial needs. Develop patient care plans that are coordinated and integrated with a comprehensive range of medical and psychosocial services to address social, emotional, and practical needs. ASW will allocate time each day (4-6 scheduled appointments) for more formal (individual and group psychotherapy) Clinical Social Work activities apart from the general clinic based crisis interventions following the BBS guidelines (below) by providing psychotherapy, counseling, and psycho-education utilizing individual, family, and group modalities using evidence-based interventions for patients and their significant others that include social, emotional, and practical life skills to facilitate safe coping, distress tolerance, stress reduction, mindfulness, and relaxation as well as access to necessary resources with the goal of improved functioning and positive health outcomes. Utilize both short-term and intensive longer-term interventions, as approved by funding source, that target trauma, mental health symptoms, and reduction of substance use Consult with primary care providers to enhance understanding of the patient, provide support for treatment approaches that incorporate behavioral health needs, and assist with implementation of bio-psychosocial treatment and care plans. Provide consultation to and coordinate care for patients needing specialty mental health and/or substance use disorder services. Advocate for patients within organizations and community to ensure access to appropriate care. Be available to primary medical care staff during working hours for crisis intervention in the event of a psychiatric emergency and assist staff in the event of any other kind of