Social Worker, LSW

Title :      Behavioral Health Specialist / LSW

Department :     Osborn Family Health Center

Reports To :      Chief Medical Officer

Exemption Status :   Exempt

Job Summary :    The Behavioral Health Specialist integrates psychotherapeutic counseling services in an ambulatory patient care setting.

Specialized Skills :  Must have experience in providing behavioral health services and have knowledge of a wide range of psychotherapeutic interventions appropriate for adults and children, understanding implications of poverty, literacy levels, culture, and language is required. Use of the DSM5 in practice setting necessary.

Integrative Behavioral Health Care Model experience is valued.

Summary of Accountabilities :

• Demonstrates the mission, vision, and values of Osborn Family Health Center in behaviors, practices, and decisions.
• Serves as a patient advocate in direct interactions with the patient, care team, and community partners.
• Accurately documents appropriate behavioral health assessments, interventions, and actions to achieve patient goals.
• Follows the DSM5 guidelines for practice in accordance with coding and billing.
• Uses evidence based screening tools for mental health screening.
• Provides the most up to date community resources utilizing technology and resource guides that are culturally sensitive and appropriate to the literacy level of the patient.
• Identifies as a professional social worker and conducts oneself accordingly as is evidenced in demeanor in behavior, appearance, and communication.
• Utilizes supervision and education opportunities, to engage in career long learning.
• Practices personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development and awareness of professional roles and boundaries.
• Recognizes and manages personal values guided by National Association of Social Work Code of Ethics to apply strategies of ethical reasoning in resolving problems.
• Provides leadership in promoting sustainable changes in service delivery and practice to improve the quality of social services and the health care center services.
• Assists provider with care of patients by utilizing the Brief Intervention Care Model and by providing timely feedback regarding social work consultations while developing strong professional relationships.
• Actively participates in departmental meetings, committees, teams, huddles, and assists in quality improvement activities.
• Promptly and accurately responds to any type of patient inquiry and uses psychotherapeutic counseling and effective problem solving strategies for patient satisfaction.
• Maintains strict HIPPA compliance at all times according to Osborn Family Health Center policy.
• Responds to families, visitors, and staff in a sensitive empathetic manner.
• Cultivates positive relationships with all patients, customers, guests, and members of the care team.
• Assists with any additional duties as needed or as directed by the Leadership team.

Minimum Certifications, Registry and / or Licenses Required :    Current NJ licensed social worker (LSW)

Minimum Degree and Experience Required :

Masters in Social Work and 2 years' experience in mental health field

Skill Requirements :

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other employees, patients, hospital departments, organizations and the public. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.  Ability to counsel patients and families.  Knowledge of basic computer skills.  Must be able to work under supervision of LCSW and independently at times and have knowledge in multiple medical disciplines.

Physical Requirements :

Minimal physical effort

Working Relationships :

Physicians

Patients / Families / Visitors

Administrators and Office Staff

Hospital Employees

Outside Vendors

Community Organizations

Environmental Conditions :

Interior office setting, examination rooms, etc.  The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions.

Potential exposure to blood and body fluids.