PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER I (CLINIC) 30302
(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 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 position requires interaction with departmental employees, state and local government employees, psychiatrists, program directors, parent partners, children and their families, community agencies, billing staff, fiscal staff, State Office of Mental Health and the general public. 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.
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.
A. 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 and possession of a license and current registration as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) issued by the New York State Department of Education; or
B. 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 Marriage and Family Therapy and possession of a license and current registration as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) issued by the New York State Department of Education.
03/2015 Revised