EXPANDED SCOPE

FOR

CLINIC COORDINATOR (DRUG ABUSE) OC 1,2,3,4,5

COORDINATOR OF COMMUNITY BASED DRUG PROGRAMS OC 1,2,3,4,5

DRUG AND ALCOHOL COUNSELOR I OC 2,6,7,8

DRUG COUNSELOR OC 2,6,7,8

PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER OC 2,7,8,9

SENIOR PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER PR 2,5,7,8,9

1. ENSURING EFFECTIVE INTER/INTRA AGENCY COMMUNICATIONS-These questions test for understanding of techniques for interacting effectively with individuals and agencies, to educate and inform them about topics of concern, to clarify agency programs or policies, to negotiate conflicts or resolve complaints, and to represent one's agency or program in a manner in keeping with good public relations practices. Questions may also cover interacting with the staff of one's own agency and/or that of other agencies in cooperative efforts of public outreach or service.

2. PREPARING WRITTEN MATERIAL-These questions test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately, and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly. For some questions, you will be given information in two or three sentences followed by four restatements of the information. You must then choose the best version. For other questions, you will be given paragraphs with their sentences out of order. You must then choose, from four suggestions, the best order for the sentences.

3. UNDERSTANDING AND INTERPRETING WRITTEN MATERIAL-These questions test for the ability to understand and interpret written material. You will be presented with brief reading passages and will be asked questions about the passages. You should base your answers to the questions only on what is presented in the passages and not on what you may happen to know about the topic.

4. SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM OVERSIGHT-These questions test for knowledge and ability required to manage and direct a social services program in a variety of settings. Questions may include planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating programs and services; case consultation and training; interpreting and applying various laws, regulations and standards; developing and implementing relevant policies and procedures; and maintaining organizational effectiveness and efficiency.

5. SUPERVISION-These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices employed in planning, organizing, and controlling the activities of a work unit toward predetermined objectives. The concepts covered, usually in a situational question format, include such topics as assigning and reviewing work; evaluating performance; maintaining work standards; motivating and developing subordinates; implementing procedural change; increasing efficiency; and dealing with problems of absenteeism, morale, and discipline.

6. PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF SOCIAL CASEWORK-These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices used to provide casework services to individuals and/or families of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. Questions will test for application of this knowledge in various settings and will include such topics as assessment, monitoring and evaluating services, counseling, referrals, and advocacy.

7. WORKING WITH INDIVIDUALS TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH-These questions test for knowledge of characteristics, causes and treatment methods associated with working with individuals who may have mental, developmental, physical, social and substance abuse disorders and/or disabilities. Questions cover such topics as establishing, maintaining and terminating client relationships; recognizing, interpreting, and responding to individual and group behaviors, as well as crisis situations; and facilitating access to essential services such as financial, housing, medical, educational, legal, vocational, and recreational.

8. INTERVIEWING-These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices employed in obtaining information from individuals through structured conversations. These questions require you to apply the principles, practices, and techniques of effective interviewing to hypothetical interviewing situations. Included are questions that present a problem arising from an interviewing situation, and you must choose the most appropriate course of action to take.

9. DEVELOPING & IMPLEMENTING TREATMENT IN A SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM-These questions test for knowledge, understanding, and ability to apply social work concepts, theories, standards, principles, and practices in various settings. Questions may cover such topics as assessment, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of treatment for individuals and families; coordination of services; advocacy and counseling for individuals and families of all backgrounds; and crisis intervention.

The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However, candidates may find information in the publication 'General Guide to Written Tests' helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available online at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm.

USE OF CALCULATORS IS ALLOWED