Position Summary: The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a full time position which reports to the Senior Director of Medical Respite and Nursing Services. The Licensed Clinical Social Worker is responsible for providing initial evaluations of individuals experiencing mental illness and/or substance abuse.
Candidates must be a licensed professional counselor or licensed clinical social worker.The LCSW will provide behavioral health consultation services to the medical team and Social Workers who serve both shelter clients and clients in PathForward's Housing Program. LCSW works with the medical team to implement Trauma Informed Care Practices, Harm Reduction Services, and therapeutic groups at the Homeless Services Center and as part of the Mobile Medical Program (MMP) for individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health.
Key Responsibilities- Must embrace PathForward's organizational values of Teamwork, Diversity, Integrity, and Equity.
- Assist in implementing the behavioral health/substance abuse directed, trauma informed care as part of the medical services provided by PathForward, at the shelter, through the MMP, and in the housing programs.
- Conduct initial mental health evaluations for clients with mental illness who do not meet the severe mentally ill criteria but would benefit from psychotherapy.
- Develop realistic treatment plans.
- Conduct crisis assessments/triage with appropriate interventions.
- Work closely with the medical team, to develop the psychosocial component of the Comprehensive Harm Reduction program.
- Work closely with the case managers to develop and run
- Document services provided in accordance with requirements.
- Provide psychotherapy to individuals and in a group.
- Coordinate mental health/substance abuse care with the Medical Provider and clients' social case workers.
- Provide clinical supervision to social workers who are working toward licensure.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding privileged administrative and client information in a professional manner.
- Monitor, track, and report on outcome measures.
- Communicate effectively with other service providers, conduct treatment team meetings as needed to provide the best continuity of care for program participants.
- All other duties and projects as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:- Provide supervision to peer support specialist interns.
Qualifications and Skills- Must be a self-starter.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Fundamental characteristics including empathy, patience, and persistence are required.
- Exceptional mentoring, coaching, and training skills.
- Cultural sensitivity and understanding of adult and older populations.
- Good clinical understanding of adult mental health, diagnosis in the DSM 5, and various behavioral therapy modalities.
- Knowledge of ASAM assessments.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
Experience and Education Requirements - Current Licensure in Virginia as LCSW or LPC with minimum of 2 years of successful licensure and in good standing.
- Minimum 2 years' experience of working with individuals experiencing homelessness preferred.
- Experience working with substance abuse and mental health issues required.
- Clinical experience in trauma informed care and motivational interviewing.
- Experience with co-occurring addiction and mental illness diagnosis.
- Certified as an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) a plus.
Physical Requirements:- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Works primarily in a sedentary environment, utilizing various means of technology.
- Occasionally required to go out with outreach to see clients in the community.
- Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs.