Position Purpose:
Under the direct supervision of an LCSW, the Associate Social Worker will be onsite conducting clinic-based assessments, brief crisis intervention, engage in evidence-based practices and provide ongoing counseling based on the needs of the patient. Primary evidence-based practices include harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and Housing First. The ASW will serve as part of a multidisciplinary team at each clinic. Goals include reducing barriers, improving health status and compliance and wellbeing of under-served segments of the population of Los Angeles County through the direct provision or coordination of health care, health education and services. This includes interviewing, treating, coordinating, safety planning, and linkage to a full-range of resources that meet practical, social, and emotional needs, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team and community-based programs.
Principal Responsibilities:
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All clinical psycho-social services provided by the ASW will be under the direct supervision of JWCH LCSW.
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Duties will include conducting clinic crisis interventions when requested.
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Conducting triage to determine and assist with immediate client needs including psychiatric crisis management, basic needs such as food, water, and emergency shelter.
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Use “best practice” methods to engage patients to encourage them to accept assistance and ongoing care.
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Utilize a harm reduction model when working with clients with chemical dependency or substance use disorders.
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After engagement with client, refer to case management or housing navigation staff to conduct assessment (VI-SPDAT) to determine housing and service needs and begin navigation process to assist clients to obtain permanent housing.
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Continue to work with Case Management and Housing navigation staff throughout the engagement to coordinate interventions and ensure care plans are appropriate and use SMART goals.
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Provide clinical assessments for clients, including those referred by other clinic staff. Assessments will assist to connect clients to appropriate care, including behavioral health services and/or case management staff.
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Coordinate with Case Management staff to ensure navigation services are provided to clients by assisting clients to obtain documents and services needed to obtain housing.
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Work closely with Case Management staff to ensure assistance has been provided with obtaining identification documents, assistance with application for health insurance, assistance in completing applications for housing programs, etc.
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Participate in weekly Staff meeting and MTD’s to coordinate and strategize interventions with specific patients ensuring engagement of those least likely to seek assistance and prioritize those with the highest needs.
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Provide coaching for other support staff within scope of practice and improve use of evidence-based practices including motivational interviewing and harm reduction.
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Conduct functional and strength-based assessment along with comprehensive diagnosis for mental health, substance abuse, trauma, and psychosocial needs.
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Develop patient care plans that are coordinated and integrated with a comprehensive range of medical and psychosocial services to address social, emotional, and practical needs.
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ASW will allocate time each day (4-6 scheduled appointments) for more formal (individual and group psychotherapy) Clinical Social Work activities apart from the general clinic based crisis interventions following the BBS guidelines (below) by providing psychotherapy, counseling, and psycho-education utilizing individual, family, and group modalities using evidence-based interventions for patients and their significant others that include social, emotional, and practical life skills to facilitate safe coping, distress tolerance, stress reduction, mindfulness, and relaxation as well as access to necessary resources with the goal of improved functioning and positive health outcomes.
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Utilize both short-term and intensive longer-term interventions, as approved by funding source, that target trauma, mental health symptoms, and reduction of substance use
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Consult with primary care providers to enhance understanding of the patient, provide support for treatment approaches that incorporate behavioral health needs, and assist with implementation of bio-psychosocial treatment and care plans.
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Provide consultation to and coordinate care for patients needing specialty mental health and/or substance use disorder services.
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Advocate for patients within organizations and community to ensure access to appropriate care.
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Be available to primary medical care staff during working hours for crisis intervention in the event of a psychiatric emergency and assist staff in the event of any other kind of emergency.
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Provide phone consultation as needed.
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Complete all charting in a timely manner (24-48 hours) and as required by regulations and JWCH policies, including assessments, progress notes, care plans, and billing documentation.
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All Clinical records will be reviewed, signed off by supervising LCSW and billed as appropriate under the LCSW’s license.
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Participate in structured and “as-needed” case conferences.
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Assist with provider education for integrated behavioral and primary care services.
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Participate in behavioral health quality assurance/improvement activities to maintain and strengthen standards of care.
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Participate in professional development activities.
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Under the supervision of the LCSW ensure that work duties adhere to the BBS required hours including type of services and supervision requirements are as follows:
Category Minimum or Maximum
Clinical psychosocial diagnosis, assessment, and treatment, including psychotherapy or counseling
Minimum 2,000 hours
(no maximum)
Face-to-face individual or group psychotherapy
Minimum 750 hours
(of the above 2,000 - no maximum)
Client-centered advocacy, consultation, evaluation, research, workshops, seminars, training sessions or conferences, and direct supervisor contact
Maximum 1,000 hours
Supervision by an LCSW
Minimum 1,700 hours
(no maximum)
Supervision by a Licensed Educational Psychologist
Maximum 1,200 hours (see question 23 for other restrictions)
Supervision by any other type of qualified licensed mental health professional
Maximum 1,300 hours
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Maintain all licensing documentation including Supervision agreement and log of hours in accordance with BBS regulations.
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Support client involvement in planning, implementing, and evaluating services.
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Complete data collection forms and prepare reports as required by the program.
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Participate in JWCH’s customer service training called AIDET on an annual basis.
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Demonstrate an understanding of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You) to apply in patient encounters or team discussions.
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Utilize the AIDET communication framework to communicate with patients and team members in a manner that reduces patient anxiety, increases patient compliance, and improves clinical outcomes.
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Other duties as assigned and within scope of practice.
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The ASW position requires ongoing compliance with BBS supervision requirements. If the employee cannot adhere to requirements including timely documentation, comprehensive assessments, developing professional care plans and providing appropriate interventions and closing notes as required, the employee may be subject to disciplinary action that may include termination.
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Adhere to all organizational safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
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Participate in required safety and compliance trainings and apply learned practices in daily work activities.
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Identify, report, and help mitigate unsafe conditions, incidents, or hazards in the workplace.
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Use equipment, tools, and supplies safely and responsibly in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
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Maintain awareness of infection control, occupational health, and emergency preparedness procedures appropriate to the role.
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Complete data collection forms and prepare reports as required by the program.
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Participate in JWCH’s customer service training called AIDET on an annual basis.
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Demonstrate an understanding of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You) to apply in patient encounters or team discussions.
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Utilize the AIDET communication framework to communicate with patients and team members in a manner that reduces patient anxiety, increases patient compliance, and improves clinical outcomes.
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Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
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Clinical Social Work Registration with BBS as an Associate Clinical Social Worker.
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Master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university.
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Experience working with low income and/or homeless individuals.
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Demonstrate a high level of respect, concern and attention to client needs for the duration of client assistance through engagement, navigation, and transition to housing.
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Staff must be able to work in environments where participants are living outdoor locations including those that are hidden, near bridges, parks or on the streets.
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Demonstrate knowledgeable about and basic competence in the following areas: harm reduction, motivational interviewing, strengths-based care, participant centered care, and trauma-informed care.
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Demonstrated understanding of the impact of trauma on behavioral and medical conditions
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Experience with evidence-based short-term behavioral health interventions
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Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability preferred.
- All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Employee Benefits:
At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:
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Medical, Dental, Vision
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Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
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Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
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Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
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401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
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Mileage reimbursement.
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Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
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Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!
Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.
JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.
