PSYCHIATRIC
SOCIAL WORKER 2511
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
An employee in this class performs professional
psychiatric casework and/or psychotherapy, which can be performed in a mental
hygiene outpatient clinic, emergency service team, or other appropriate
setting. Knowledge of specialized
casework techniques such as individual, group, family, play therapy and case
management is required to accomplish the goal of rehabilitation and adjustment
of mentally ill and/or chemically dependent persons. The work is concerned primarily with patients
having serious mental, emotional and behavior problems and/or chemically
dependent persons who therefore present special
adjustment problems. The incumbent works
closely with psychiatrists, psychologists and other health professionals in
treatment planning, but is expected to work with limited supervision,
exercising a considerable amount of judgment and initiative, especially in
determining the appropriateness of the psychiatric services for applicants at
intake. Supervision is received from a
professional supervisor through review of case records and reports, and
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, their relatives and other interested persons;
Evaluates
applicant's needs during intake and refers applicants
whose needs cannot be met by the program to the proper agency;
Provides
direct psychotherapy to patients, including emergency services;
Determines
applicant's ability to pay for psychiatric services, discusses fees with
applicant and sets fees at proper level;
Participates in conferences with psychiatrists,
psychologists and other professionals to discuss diagnoses and treatment of patients;
Performs
casework and case management services with patients, relatives and collateral persons;
Works
with community, professional and civic organizations toward the development of
a better mental health program;
Prepares
case records;
May
provide outreach services, including individual, youth and family counseling,
in non-clinical settings.
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 hygiene out-patient services; thorough knowledge of the social and
psychological aspects of mental disease, intellectual disability, developmental
disabilities, chemical dependency and of modern treatment methods; good
knowledge of community resources and how to use them effectively; ability to
develop and maintain cooperative relationships with patients, colleagues,
patients' families, physicians and social agencies; ability to prepare
comprehensive case work and treatment records; ability to express oneself
clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to analyze
information and reach sound conclusions; patience; 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 and certification as Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) by the New York State Department of
Education.
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 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 or otherwise demonstrate their capacity to meet the transportation needs
of the job.
R 6/25/25
Competitive