PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER I 30300
(Competitive)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The work involves responsibility for performing professional psychiatric social work. Primary emphasis of the work is on the performance of professional psychiatric social work in mental health, correction facilities, or outpatient clinics. Work involves responsibility for applying advanced specialized diagnostics skills and casework techniques to the evaluation and treatment of individuals with mental illness. Employees work closely with psychiatrists and psychologists in the planning of treatment for patients. The employee is expected to work with limited supervision, exercising a considerable amount of judgment and initiative. Work is supervised by a professional superior and reviewed through staff and individual conferences and a review of case reports and records. An employee in this class typically exercises no supervision, but since he/she is trained and qualified through a post-graduate social work program, he/she may direct the work of graduate students who intern in social work. Does related work as required.
Interviews patient/client, their relatives and interested persons, determines appropriateness of application for clinical services and refers applicants not eligible to proper agency.
Participates in conferences with psychiatrists, psychologists and other professional persons to discuss diagnoses and treatment of patient/client.
Performs clinical social work services with patient/client, relatives and collateral persons; prepares case records.
Works with community, professional and civic organizations toward the development of a better mental health program.
Performs mental health evaluations for court and to determine recommended level of supervision in jail and correctional facility.
Good knowledge of the principles, methods, procedures, techniques and practices of psychiatric social work.
Good knowledge of the functioning of psychiatric outpatient clinics.
Good knowledge of the social aspects of mental disease, mental deficiency and of modern methods of treatment.
Good knowledge of community resources and how to use them effectively.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative relationships with patient/client, professional colleagues, patients' families, physicians and social agencies.
Ability to prepare clear, concise and comprehensive clinical social work records, to analyze such information and to reach sound decisions on the basis of such information.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Master's Degree in Social Work or a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Revised 03/2015