PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER - ALCOHOLISM 2510
An employee in this class performs professional
psychiatric casework in both mental health outpatient clinics and institutional
settings. Accepted casework methodology
is used to promote the rehabilitation and improved adjustment of mentally or
emotionally disturbed persons, particularly those whose alcohol abuse problems
have impaired personal and social functioning.
The incumbent works closely with professional colleagues in planning and
monitoring treatment progress, but is expected to work effectively and
independently with a minimum of supervision.
Considerable judgment and initiative is exercised in determining patient
needs and treatment requirements.
Supervision is received from a professional supervisor through review of
case records and reports and through individual and staff conferences. Employees
in this class who provide clinical services must be supervised by a Licensed
Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK
ACTIVITIES
Interviews patients, relatives and other interested
persons;
Evaluates applicant needs during
intake, responds to possible crisis situations by determining appropriate type
of approach to applicants' needs, including possible referral to other
agencies;
Participates in conferences with
psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health treatment professionals to
discuss diagnosis and treatment of patients;
Discusses fee payment with applicant
and sets fee at appropriate level;
Conducts group therapy sessions with
patients; organizes education seminars concerning the problems of alcohol abuse
and effective approaches toward those problems for clients and significant
others;
Performs casework services with
patients, relatives and collateral persons;
Works with community, professional
and civic organizations toward the development of improved mental health and
alcoholism programs.
FULL PERFORMANCE
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, and
practices of psychiatric social work; thorough knowledge of the functioning of
mental health clinics; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of
treating and controlling alcoholism; thorough knowledge of community resources
and programs available to alcoholics; thorough knowledge of the social aspects
of mental illness, developmental disability and current effective treatment
methods; good knowledge of current literature and sources of information about
alcoholism; good knowledge of programs of mental health inpatient facilities;
ability to develop and maintain cooperative relationships with patients,
colleagues, patients' families, physicians, and social agencies; ability to
prepare comprehensive casework records; ability to express oneself clearly and
concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to analyze information and reach
sound conclusions; patience; empathy; good judgment; physical condition
commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS
OPEN COMPETITIVE
Graduation from a college with federally-authorized
accreditation or registration by NY State with a Master's Degree in Social
Work, including one (1) year of study in a psychiatric setting. The degree must
include or be supplemented by a minimum of one hundred and fifty (150) clock
hours of alcoholism specific educational training. This training must
specifically concern knowledge of alcohol use, abuse, and alcoholism or the
application of the competency requirements, professional activities and ethical
principles to the provision of alcoholism services.
NOTE: One (1) year of experience as a psychiatric social worker
may be substituted for the above year of study in a psychiatric setting.
NECESSARY SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS
Certification as Licensed Master
Social Worker (LMSW) or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) by the New
York State Department of Education at time of appointment. Certification must be maintained throughout
employment in this title.
At the time of appointment, and
during employment in this title, employees will be required to possess a valid
license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.
R10/27/04
Competitive
Review 7/23/15