Clinical Social Worker-ASW

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 All clinical psycho‑social services provided by the ASW will be under the direct supervision of JWCH LCSW. Duties will include conducting clinic crisis interventions when requested. Conduct triage to determine and assist with immediate client needs, including psychiatric crisis management and basic needs such as food, water, and emergency shelter. Use "best practice" methods to engage patients and encourage them to accept assistance and ongoing care. Utilize a harm reduction model when working with clients with chemical dependency or substance use disorders. After engagement with a client, refer to case management or housing navigation staff to conduct an assessment (VI‑SPDAT) to determine housing and service needs and begin the navigation process to assist clients in obtaining permanent housing. 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. Provide clinical assessments for clients, including those referred by other clinic staff, to connect clients to appropriate care such as behavioral health services and/or case management staff. Coordinate with case management staff to ensure navigation services are provided to clients by assisting them in obtaining documents and services needed to secure housing. Assist with obtaining identification documents, applications for health insurance, and applications for housing programs. Participate in weekly staff meetings and MTDs to coordinate and strategize interventions, ensuring engagement of those least likely to seek assistance and prioritizing those with the highest needs. Provide coaching for other support staff within scope of practice and improve use of evidence‑based practices, including motivational interviewing and harm reduction. Conduct functional, strengths‑based assessment and comprehensive diagnosis for mental health, substance abuse, trauma, and psychosocial needs. 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. Allocate time each day (4–6 scheduled appointments) for formal individual and group psychotherapy, clinical social work activities, and psycho‑education using evidence‑based interventions that include social, emotional, and practical life skills to facilitate safe coping, distress tolerance, stress reduction, mindfulness, and relaxation, with the goal of improved functioning and positive health outcomes. Utilize both short‑term and intensive longer‑term interventions, as approved by funding sources, that target trauma, mental health symptoms, and reduction of substance use. 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 biopsychosocial treatment and care plans. Provide consultation to and coordinate care for patients needing specialty mental health and/or substance use disorder services. Advocate for patients within organizations and the community to ensure access to appropriate care. Be available to primary medical staff during working hours for crisis intervention in the event of a psychiatric emergency and assist staff in any other kind of emergency. Provide phone consultation as needed. 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. All clinical records will be reviewed and signed off by the supervising LCSW and billed as appropriate under the LCSW’s license. Participate in structured and as‑needed case conferences. Assist with provider education for integrated behavioral and primary care services. Participate in behavioral health quality assurance and improvement activities to maintain and strengthen standards of care. Engage in professional development activities. Under the supervision of the LCSW, ensure that work duties adhere to BBS required hours, including type of services and supervision requirements. Requirements Clinical Social Work Registration with BBS as an Associate Clinical Social Worker. Master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university. Experience working with low‑income and/or homeless individuals. Demonstrate a high level of respect, concern, and attention to client needs throughout engagement, navigation, and transition to housing. Ability to work in environments where participants are living outdoors, including hidden, near bridges, parks, or on the streets. Demonstrated knowledge and basic competence in harm reduction, motivational interviewing, strengths‑based care, participant‑centered care, and trauma‑informed care. Understanding of the impact of trauma on behavioral and medical conditions. Experience with evidence‑based short‑term behavioral health interventions. Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability preferred. All JWCH and Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID‑19. Employee Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision Monthly employer‑sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier‑approved medical expenses Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan Mileage reimbursement Short‑ and long‑term disability plans (LTD/STD) Life insurance policy & AD&D JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wesley Health Centers - JWCH Institute, Inc.