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Psychiatric Social Worker I (#MDDR01)
$32,731.00 Yearly Min / $40,789.00 Yearly Mid / $48,847.00 Yearly Max




Summary Statement

A class incumbent performs entry level professional social work in a psychiatric and/or institutional setting assisting the developmentally disabled, mentally ill or emotionally disturbed to adjust or readjust and achieve a social, economic, emotional and physical balance and personal independence compatible with generally accepted norms.

Nature and Scope

Class incumbents employ basic skills in the social casework method, requiring evaluative thinking under close supervision of a technical superior.  An employee in this class carries a smaller case load and while exposed to all duties of the position, is given considerable guidance until performance reaches the journeyman level.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Interviews patients, family members and/or any other persons deemed necessary to obtain the most complete case history possible.
     
  • Provides information and counseling to client's family to enable them to cope with client's problems and promote positive interactions among family members.
     
  • Provides therapeutic treatment to clients, as well as referral services, contacting appropriate social agencies.
     
  • Prepares narrative, statistical reports and court reports as necessary.  May prepare forms of application for services or benefits.
     
  • Assists in evaluation of client/patient needs in order to effect the most beneficial placement in foster care, day care, nursing home, drug/alcohol rehabilitation or other special care facility to accommodate the physical and emotional well-being of the individual.
     
  • Prepares necessary forms of application for services or benefits.
     
  • Appears at court proceedings as required testifying to the social and environmental issues affecting the client/patient.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

  • Knowledge of child, adolescent and adult psychology.
  • Knowledge of mental and emotional disorder and the social, economic, and  psychological implications and behavioral impact.
  • Knowledge of methods and techniques of counseling and social casework.
  • Knowledge of family dynamics and reactions to developmental disabilities and mental illness.
  • Knowledge of availability, role and functions of community resources.
  • Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
  • Ability to interpret, explain and implement applicable rules and regulations.
  • Ability to deal constructively with aggressiveness, hostility and other emotional attitudes.
  • Ability to prepare narrative and statistical reports.
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, other service agencies, public and private, as well as state and federal regulatory agencies.
  • Ability to apply interviewing techniques.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Psychiatric Social Worker I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  1. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Behavioral or Social Science or related field.  
  2. Knowledge of providing clinical treatment, counseling or determining eligibility for services or benefits as part of a treatment team.
  3. Knowledge of case management which includes assessing, planning, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating options and services to meet an individuals human service needs.
  4. Knowledge of interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
  5. Knowledge of narrative report writing.


CLASS:
MDDR01
EST:
7/1/1987
REV:
FORMERLY JOB CLASS:
79751