Social Worker

Reports To: Clinical Lead

Purpose:

The purpose of the social worker is to ensure that appropriate treatment services are provided to clients in accordance with established social work guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Interviews potential clients and coordinates placements into the program

• Provides for approved orientation of all clients

• Develops individual needs and services and treatment plans for each client assigned, in collaboration with the placement worker

• Monitors progress through observation and reports by resident staff

• Provides leadership to all treatment team members, to ensure that the treatment proscribed in the Treatment Plan is carried out

• Provides individual counseling to each client on at least a weekly basis and as needed

• Provides counsel to the family

• Provides group counseling to clients on at least a weekly basis and as needed

• Continually assesses clients to identify their changing needs

• Prepares a quarterly progress report for each resident, and submits copes of progress reports to the placement workers

• Reports to placement agents for monthly case reviews

• Coordinates group counseling on a daily weekday basis

• Facilitates group counseling at least weekly (subjects include recovery, drug abuse, self-esteem, life skills, communications skills, etc.)

• Encourages appropriate parental involvement by making initial call, formulating their involvement plan with their child, assessing family counseling needs and coordinating family counseling

• Facilitates parenting education and support group

• Coordinates and plans for aftercare

• Develops a discharge plan for each client

• Is on-call for crisis intervention

• Monitors individual supervised and unsupervised outing and visitors, and approve overnight visits

• Participates in and provides staff training, staffing and committee meetings as assigned

• Submits, by the third of each month, a written report to the Administrator regarding program accomplishments, new or continuing problems, etc.

• Attends work-related conferences and seminars.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in Social Work or Marriage, Family Therapy from an accredited college or university

• Must be LCSW, LMFT, AMFT or ASW with BBS, certified Alcohol and other drugs counselor, or registered to obtain such certification within 6 months of hire date.

• At least one year clinical and/or substance abuse experience with adolescents preferred, and experience in case management

• Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance as required by Title XXII licensing regulations

• Basic knowledge on licensing requirements and operations of a children’s residential setting

• Clean DMV record, with no more than one point if under 25 years of age, or no more than two points if over 25 years of age

• Ability to do essential duties, which may require standing/being on feet for up to 10 hours.

• Good physical health (provide proof via physical exam)

• Negative TB test

• Strength, endurance, and agility necessary to meet the demands of the job(including but not limited to lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling and reaching)

• Visual acuity and hearing sufficient to meet the demands of the job

• File and maintain files

• Mental capabilities such as problem solving and analysis

• Operate agency vehicles in a safe and legal manner

• Willingness to help cover shifts/live-in

• Flexibility in schedule

• Sobriety

• Work impartially as a member of a team and accept the various racial, ethnic and cultural differences of coworkers.

• Work under pressure, multitask

• Strong work ethic- (Professional, Respectful, Dependable, Dedicated, Honest, Tactful, Patience, Humble, Accountable, Integrity, Teamwork, Cooperation, Collaboration)

• Flexible/Adaptable

• Work with a minimum amount of supervision and alone some of the time

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS:

• The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and/or Al-Anon

• Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

• Trauma, Abuse and Addictions informed

• Principles and techniques of individual and group treatment of trauma, abuse, delinquent, emotionally disturbed and chemically dependent youth

• De-escalation skills

• Issues relating to abused, neglected and troubled adolescents

• Application of the principles and techniques given of individual and group counseling and guidance of youth

• Diverse racial and cultural characteristics of clients

• Characteristics and culture of the client population of Advent

• Analyzing situations accurately and evaluating results to choose the best solution, taking effective course of action

• Recognition of the early signs of illness and the need for professional assistance

• Effective communication at a level necessary for successful performance on the job

• Hear, read, understand and carry out both simple and complex instructions

• Preparation of detailed records or reports

• Inspect, examine and observe

• Able to work effectively; independently and within a group, with limited supervision

• Ability to interpret and follow instructions and agency policies and procedures

• Sound physical, mental condition and emotional maturity/stability

• Empathic and objective understanding of others

• Sensitivity to client spirituality in accordance with the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous

• Neat personal appearance

• Willingness to travel

• Ability to gain the interest, respect and cooperation of other facility personnel, youth, and the public

• Ability to think and act quickly in emergencies

• Ability to maintain fair and firm discipline

• Refraining from co-dependency and Enabling behaviors

• Initiative to act independently and make decisions based on the principles provided

• Accurate analysis of situations and effective action

• Accept and use supervisory direction and consultation

• Maintain strict confidentiality

• Leadership ability

• High moral standards

• Keen observation skills

• Continuing satisfactory record as a law-abiding citizen

• Willingness to work impartially with and accept the various racial, ethnic, sexual and cultural differences of the clients we serve

• Punctuality and willingness to work various schedules, including weekends and holidays, and to report for duty at any time emergencies arise

Age Limitation: Minimum age is 21 years.

Felony Disqualification: Persons convicted of a felony are not eligible to be appointed to positions of this class.

Background Investigation: Pursuant to the law, persons shall be fingerprinted prior to work in a facility, and shall be subject to a background investigation by Community Care Licensing and the FBI. Persons who have previously been subjected to this in Advent will not undergo any further investigation of this type.

Medical Requirement: Persons shall undergo a medical examination to determine that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job safely and effectively.