Substance Abuse Social Worker – LCSW

The Substance Abuse Social Worker provides quality and organized psychotherapy and social services for identified clients and families. She/he maintains accurate and up-to-date knowledge of all relevant regulations and standards regarding the provision of social services and of the implementation of treatment and discharge planning. The Substance Abuse Social Worker assures the collection and evaluation of social and psychotherapeutic services according to departmental policy, demonstrates professional behavior, and supports the philosophy of Gibson Area Hospital.

GIBSON AREA HOSPITAL & HEALTH SERVICES MISSION STATEMENT

To provide personalized, professional healthcare services to the residents of the Communities we serve.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical
1. Interviews clients and families or significant others to obtain social, medical, and mental health history and data pertaining to treatment and discharge planning. Substance Abuse Social Worker will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of motivational interviewing skills and other evidence based practices, when communicating with patients and families.
2. Interprets variables of social situations and socio-economic status as these relate to client’s condition, admission and current and post-discharge needs; modifies treatment accordingly.
3. Meets in individual, family or group psychotherapy sessions with clients, families, or both, as requested by Medical Director, Primary Care Providers, or Treatment Team, or to address issues identified in the Social, Mental, and Physical History that affect treatment and discharge.
4. Provides patient education relating to the illness of substance dependency, the process of addiction recovery, and the components of Office Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) program.
5. Completes individual comprehensive assessment and intake of new patients. The Substance Abuse Social Worker is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the assessment and intake process.
6. Functions as a member of the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team, by collaboration and consultation to provide appropriate care. When consulting with the interdisciplinary team, the Substance Abuse Social Worker will exercise good judgement when assessing these situations and making decisions regarding treatment issues on site and by phone.
7. Provides recommendations regarding mental health, socio-economic, and medical needs to the treatment team. The Substance Abuse Social Worker can provide brief intervention, or work with the patient for an extended period of time based on the needs identified.
8. Functions as a liaison with other community-based agencies and law enforcement agencies to ensure continuity of treatment (referrals) and compliance to legal obligations.
9. Represents the program at educational meetings as requested by Medical Director.
10. Collects ongoing data results for cognitive and affective testing as requested by the Medical Director and/or physicians.
11. Actively participates in the development of OBAT and additional programs to target substance use disorder in the GAH system.

General and Administrative
1. Displays flexibility, cooperation, and a positive attitude in regard to work.
2. Recognizes own learning needs and shows motivation to meet them.
3. Fulfills responsibilities in a reliable and dependable manner and uses time effectively.
4. Exhibits effective communication skills (oral, written, and listening.)
5. Completes assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
6. Communicates suggestions and/or complaints through appropriate channels.
7. Reports to work on time and as scheduled.
8. Uses initiative and judgment to assure that circumstances requiring attention are referred to the appropriate team member.
9. Cultivates and maintains professional relationships with clients, families, and hospital staff to facilitate work of the entire organization.
10. Displays honesty and integrity; trust-worthiness.
11. Greets customers in warm, hospitable manner.
12. Asks questions to identify and ensure accurate interpretation of customer needs.
13. Finds innovative ways to exceed customer needs.
14. Evaluates own performance based on customer satisfaction.
15. Flexible in adapting to changing situations and overcoming obstacles.
16. Insists on accuracy and takes extra measures to maintain high standard of quality.
17. Accepts responsibility for personal contribution toward the success of the organization and assists in other ways to achieve organizational goals.
18. Performs other duties as assigned by Medical Director.
Regulatory and Compliance
1. Ensures that patient confidentially is protected, complies with release of information to all outside referrals and contacts, and adheres to electronic medical records guidelines.
2. Ensures that all work is in compliance with state and federal regulations.
3. Adheres to all Gibson Area Hospital policies and procedures, as outlined in the employee handbook and departmental policies and procedures, pertaining to annual education requirements, dress code, attendance, and general performance standards.
4. Works cooperatively with the Medical Director in ensuring that all relevant regulations and standards are met, including HFAP, Medicare, and state licensure requirements.
5. Collects and compiles data and completes reports as requested by the hospital, Medical Director, and as required by the unit’s Quality Improvement Plan.

Qualifications

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. This job operates in a professional office environment. The role routinely requires use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
2. Communication with customers is a primary function of this position. Must be able to exchange accurate information in person, in writing, and by telephone.
3. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office building. Some duties are performed out in the community.
4. Physical strength to perform the following lifting tasks:
• Floor to waist – 20 pounds
• 14” to waist – 30 pounds
• Waist to shoulder – 20 pounds
• Shoulder to overhead – 10 pounds
• Carry 20 pounds for 30 feet
• Push 40 pounds/force for 15 feet
• Pull 40 pounds/force for 15 feet

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

Reports to office manager of Gibson Recovery Optimizing Wellness.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Knowledge of community resources for populations served, knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid and insurance requirements as these relate to continuing care. Familiarity with medical terminology and conditions as these impact treatment and discharge needs. Familiarity with medical team roles and with the functioning of other hospital departments. Knowledge of effective individual and group communication techniques.

2. Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited Graduate School of Social Work or a degree that supports an alternative acceptable licensure.LCSW preferred; LCPC also acceptable. Two to three years of clinical experience in psychotherapy preferred. One year working with Substance Use Disorders required. Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) preferred but not required.

3. Must meet and maintain any applicable state certification standards, including meeting Continuing Education Unit (CEU) requirements to maintain state licensure as applicable.

4. Demonstrates knowledge, skills and behaviors appropriate to the population served and based on specific criteria, age and development.

INFECTION EXPOSURE RISK LEVEL

Category 2– Minimal Risk – This job may expose you occasionally or in emergency situations to blood, body fluids or tissue. The Hepatitis B vaccine shall be made available.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Some responsibilities occur in the community.
2. Involves frequent contact with staff, patients, and the public.
3. Work may be stressful at times.
4. Contact may involve dealing with angry or upset people.
5. Works in patient care areas where there are few discomforts due to dust, dirt, noise, and the like.

6. Works with patients and may be exposed to contagious diseases or infectious materials, but potential for personal harm and injury is limited when proper safety and health precautions and equipment is used.

Work Schedule:

Weekdays (8-5)

[Apply Now](https://www.gibsonhospital.org/about-us/employment)