Youth LSW/LPC

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under supervision of the Youth Program Manager, the Social Worker will perform a broad range of services designed to help patients improve their lives. The Social Worker must be passionate about helping people, have experience in the delivery of social services and be comfortable dealing with challenging situations. Duties will include performing diagnostic assessments, facilitating individual therapy, leading group sessions, and interacting with other departments in order to provide comprehensive behavioral and/or substance use disorder treatment to patients.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Assessment & Diagnosis

• Conduct comprehensive diagnostic assessments for new patient admissions, ensuring accuracy in evaluating youth mental health and substance use disorders.
• Diagnose substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring mental health conditions within the scope of practice, using DSM-5 criteria and evidence-based tools.
• Administer and interpret standardized assessment tools, such as PHQ-9, GAD-7, and CSS, ASQ, to gauge patient symptoms and risk levels.
• Identify and report safety concerns using best-practice protocols, including risk assessments for self-harm, suicidal ideation, and abuse/neglect.

Treatment Planning & Documentation

• Develop individualized treatment plans for both substance use and mental health disorders, aligning with patients' specific level of care and treatment goals.
• Complete treatment plan reviews regularly to ensure continued progress and adjust interventions as needed.
• Collaborate with the Utilization Review department to submit prior-authorization documentation for patient treatment approval.
• Document all clinical services provided, ensuring timely and accurate records are maintained in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Ensure completion of clinical documentation within 24 hours of the rendered service to meet compliance and quality standards.

Counseling & Direct Patient Care

• Provide individual therapy sessions addressing a broad range of personal, family, and social challenges experienced by youth.
• Facilitate group therapy sessions, incorporating evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
• Make home visits to assess family dynamics and provide in-home interventions, as well as respond to critical life events or emergencies.
• Counsel patients on coping strategies, emotional regulation, self-esteem, and social skill development, ensuring a trauma-informed approach.
• Work with youth in school-based settings, offering on-site therapeutic support and interventions tailored to academic and social challenges.

Crisis Intervention & Behavioral Management

• De-escalate patient concerns and manage behavioral crises using therapeutic interventions and professional judgment.
• Exercise sound clinical decision-making in responding to crises, seeking supervision or consultation when necessary.
• Effectively communicate program rules and expectations to ensure a structured and supportive treatment environment.

Care Coordination & Case Management Support

• Assist case managers in helping patients acquire essential resources, such as food assistance , disability benefits, and housing support.
• Provide referrals to community resources, including legal aid, financial assistance programs, and additional mental health services.
• Communicate and coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care and integrated treatment planning.

Compliance, Confidentiality & Ethical Practice

• Maintain compliance with all state and federal laws regarding patient confidentiality, privacy, and rights (HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, etc.).
• Interact with patients professionally and respectfully, maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries at all times.
• Adhere to agency policies, clinical protocols, and ethical guidelines established for behavioral health professionals.

Professional Collaboration & Team Engagement

• Be an active member of the clinical team, participating in case reviews, team meetings, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Contribute to staff development and training efforts, sharing knowledge on best practices in youth behavioral health.
• Perform, track, and report a minimum of 26 hours of face-to-face patient engagement per 40-hour work week to meet agency expectations.
• Maintain flexibility in work hours, prioritizing patient needs and organizational requirements.

EXPERIENCE/CREDENTIALS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree from accredited university or equivalent. (Master's degree preferred)
• LSW or equivalent
• Two (2) or more years' experience in the delivery of social services for youth and/or young adults.
• Knowledge of mental health complications and diagnostic criteria.
• Knowledge of evidence-based treatment/therapeutic modalities.
• Knowledge of community health resources that support life improvement in physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health, economic security, employment, etc.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, diagnostic criteria, and treatment modalities (Preferred)