Social Worker, Mental Health

Provides comprehensive, independent mental health assessment and treatment services and contributes to the growth and development of the program.

Provides comprehensive, independent mental health assessment and treatment services and contributes to the growth and development of the program.

• Consistently provides intake slots for office staff to schedule new patients. Schedules additional intake slots during periods of high volume.
• Obtains and thoroughly documents information about presenting symptoms and problems, prior treatment, and other relevant history and background. With patient consent, communicates directly with other current or prior treatment providers, family members, schools, or agencies to obtain more complete background information.
• Assesses mental status, including presence of thoughts or impulses to harm self or others.
• Formulates complete 5 axis DSM-IV diagnosis that is supported by the clinical record. Uses structured assessment tools or protocols to elaborate on diagnostic issues and assist in treatment planning.
• Records final disposition and plan in the final section of the intake form by the end of the third screening visit.

• The Current Assessment section of the plan includes a summary of the patient’s problems and needs as well as their strengths and resources. Plans reflect continuity between issues identified in the assessment section, the goals and objectives of treatment, and the discharge criteria.
• Plans contain specific, measurable, outcome-oriented goals, objectives, and discharge criteria related to patients’ mental health problems. Goals and objectives are identified in at least one area other than mental health (e.g. physical health, family/social, educational/vocational).
• Plans include a list of all services to be provided and the specific provider and frequency for each. Details are included in the Methods section describing specific treatment approaches and/or intervention strategies that are known to be effective for the patient’s diagnosis or condition.
• Consults with patients and/or parents in the development of treatment plans, and their participation is documented by their signature on the plans. Patients are encouraged to identify their own goals for treatment, as documented in one or more progress notes.
• Completes treatment plans within 30 days or prior to the fourth visit after patients’ admission to the clinic, whichever comes first.

• Summarizes patient progress towards the goals and objectives specified in the most recent prior treatment plan in the Current Assessment section.
• Revises goals and objectives as needed.
• Completes the reviews collaboratively with the patient and/or collateral.
• Completes the reviews on time with all required signatures.

• Employs treatment interventions and techniques that are clinically appropriate and effective for patients’ disorders and conditions. Modifies treatment techniques or approaches in work with specific patients based on review of the clinical literature and/or attendance at professional training programs. Offers patients educational material or references, such as books, pamphlets, audio or videotapes, related to diagnosis, treatment issues, or therapeutic activities.
• Makes note of patient response to therapist behavior and varies approach to improve outcome. Elicits explicit verbal or written patient feedback concerning satisfaction with the…