Social Services Specialist

Social Services Specialist

Works in collaboration with the treatment team to provide psychiatric social services to inpatient psychiatric patients in a manner that is in accordance with acceptable social work practice and hospital policies and procedures. Utilizes a variety of treatment modalities including but not limited to individual, group and family therapy.

Includes the following, other duties may be assigned:

• Completes thorough psychosocial evaluation.
• Contacts families/significant others depending on the patient needs.
• Acts a liaison for the families/significant others.
• Provides individual, family and group therapy.
• Works with the patient/family and treatment team to develop a plan to ensure that the patient will return to a safe environment.
• Facilitates and completes processes related to patient detention.
• Documents social service goals and progress on the patient treatment plan.
• Facilitates treatment team when requested by physician.
• Documents all contacts with the patient and family in the medical record in a timely manner.
• Assists with student supervision and new employee orientation.
• Monitors the quality of the unit program and makes suggestions for improvements.
• Strives to maintain quality social services by offering training to other staff members, and program development.
• Maintains a positive relationship with community services.
• Stays up to date on therapy techniques and other related research.
• Maintains up to date knowledge of legal issues such as guardianship, court hearings and suspected abuse.
• Completes necessary cross training to be able to work on all units.
• Provides patient intervention in accordance with Crisis Prevention Institute Training.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Education/License: Master's degree in Social Work or related field. Licensure preferred. If not licensed must obtain in 6 months from start date.