Social Worker

Job Summary:

The Inpatient Behavioral Health Social Worker provides therapeutic and case management services to patients admitted to the behavioral health unit. This role reports directly to the Manager of Social Work. This role involves conducting psychosocial assessments, developing treatment plans, facilitating group therapy sessions, and coordinating discharge planning. The social worker collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to support patients in achieving optimal emotional and psychological well-being.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducts comprehensive psychosocial assessments, including psychiatric history, family dynamics, trauma, and social determinants of health, for individualized treatment planning
• Provided therapeutic interventions through individual counseling, crisis intervention, and psychoeducational groups aimed at stabilizing acute psychiatric symptoms
• Collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to develop and monitor treatment plans and progress.
• Engages families and support systems in the treatment process, offering education, counseling, and discharge planning support to improve continuity of care.
• Coordinates with outpatient providers, community resources, residential programs, and legal systems to ensure safe and effective discharge planning.
• Participates in court-related matters such as involuntary commitments, medication hearings, or conservatorships when appropriate
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record, in adherence with ethical standards, confidentiality regulations, and Medicare compliance
• Advocates for patients rights while balancing safety concerns, ethical considerations, and legal requirements in psychiatric care.
• Supports patients in developing coping strategies, insight, and realistic goals to facilitate stabilization and reintegration into the community
• Delivers crisis intervention and support during psychiatric emergencies

Qualifications:

· Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW)

· Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), LMSW

· 1–3 years of experience in a psychiatric or behavioral health setting preferred.

· Strong clinical assessment and therapeutic skills.

· Knowledge of mental health disorders, substance use issues, and trauma-informed care.

· Familiarity with community resources and discharge planning processes.

· Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

· Must have basic computer skills and ability to access internet and other programs applicable to Waterbury Hospital procedures.

· Perform automated functions that fall within job responsibility.

· Ability to work in a time oriented environment including exposure to all patient elements, i.e., blood borne pathogens