Social Worker

POSITION TITLE: Social Worker

DEPARTMENT: Behavioral Health

PAY GRADE: Negotiated

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

ESC CODE: 21-1022

FUNDING SOURCE: IHS

Opening: November 7, 2024

Closing: November 17, 2024

Position Summary:

The Behavioral Health Social Worker provides comprehensive mental health services to individuals and families experiencing emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. This role involves assessing clients’ needs, developing treatment plans, providing therapeutic interventions, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure integrated care. The Behavioral Health Social Worker also provides education and resources in the areas of child welfare, parenting, and sexual assault response and prevention to help clients and families manage complex mental health needs.

Essential Functions:

1. Client Assessment and Treatment Planning:

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to identify clients’ strengths, needs, and treatment goals.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients and the healthcare team.
• Evaluate treatment effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to ensure positive client outcomes.

1. Crisis Intervention:

• Respond to and manage crisis situations involving patients and families, providing support and intervention
• Perform child forensic interviewing in cases of suspected abuse or neglect
• Provide assessment, support, and intervention related to individuals who report sexual assault
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop and implement crisis management plans

1. Therapeutic Interventions:

• Provide individual, group, and family therapy using evidence-based practices to address mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use.
• Facilitate support and psychoeducational groups for clients and families.
• Use crisis intervention techniques to manage emergency situations and provide immediate support

1. Resource Coordination and Advocacy:

• Connect clients and families with community resources and services, such as housing, employment, and financial assistance.
• Advocate for clients’ rights and access to necessary mental health services and resources.
• Assist clients with navigating healthcare systems and overcoming barriers to care.

1. Collaboration and Consultation:

• Provide consultation and training to healthcare staff on mental health issues and interventions.
• Provide training to the community and relevant staff on OCS issues, guardian ad litem issues, and training on sexual assault intervention and prevention
• Work collaboratively with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to client care.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and care planning sessions.

1. Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client assessments, treatment plans, interventions, and outcomes.
• Prepare reports and maintain records in compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

1. Professional Development:

• Stay current with best practices in behavioral health, mental health trends, and relevant laws and regulations.
• Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and professional development opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to support and commit to department and tribal policies and procedures.
• Ability to effectively meet and communicate with the public and government entities outside of YCHC.
• Strong knowledge of automation tools and technologies
• Deep understanding of information security principles, practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge in health informatics systems and electronic health records (EHR).
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

The work involves moderate risks or discomforts that require special safety precautions, including exposure to contagious diseases. Employees may be required to use protective clothing, such as masks, gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, or shields.

The work requires some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing or sitting; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy items. The work may require specific, but common, physical characteristics and abilities, such as above average agility and dexterity.   The employee must be able to see, read, write, speak and hear.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility:

This position has no formally assigned supervisory responsibility or authority

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social work (MSW) or related field from an accredited institution.
• Current licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Alaska OR ability to obtain Alaska licensure.
• Experience in behavioral health or mental health settings required.
• Strong clinical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented and multicultural environment.
• Knowledge of community mental health resources and services.
• Experience working with IHS and Community Health Center agencies helpful, but not required.

• Experience in working with the Native American population preferred.
• Must successfully pass a Criminal Justice and State background check.

Disclosures:

• We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
• The Yakutat Tlingit Tribe maintains a drug-free workplace, and this position may be subject to random drug testing and criminal history checks.
• Preference will be given to qualified candidates who are Alaska Native and/or Yakutat Tlingit Tribal Members.
• Native American preference, as defined in Title 25, US Code, Chapter 14, Subchapter V, Subsection 273 and 274, will be applied to the hiring of this position. We are an equal opportunity employer, with preference given to qualified Native American/Alaska Native applicants in accordance with federal law and tribal policy.