Social Worker, Inpatient Psychiatry

Detailed Overview

Reporting administratively to the Coordinator, Mental Health and clinically to the Professional Practice Chief - Social Work, the Social Worker, Inpatient Psychiatry provides psychosocial assessment and therapeutic clinical counseling services to clients (patients / families) in psychiatry by using a variety of modalities and in accordance with professional standards and clinical policies and practices.

Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team in care planning, discharge planning, resource linkage and education from a Social Work perspective.

Participates as a member of local committees and planning bodies as assigned. Responsibilities Conducts psychosocial assessments of clients through focused interviews, collection of relevant collateral information and interpretation of data within the context of the client system in accordance with professional standards and clinical policies and practices.

Provides supportive counseling services to clients, by methods such as identifying areas of client / system strengths and challenges, and offering interventions which promote improved psychosocial / emotional wellbeing.

Provides a plan of care which includes the goals of treatment, and makes any necessary referrals for further intervention.

Educates and provides consultation to clients and healthcare professionals on issues related to Social Work practice in the psychiatric setting, including such areas as : high risk factors, adaptation to illness and disability, post trauma and stress management, bereavement, chemical dependency, community support services and relevant legislation.

Maintains client records by documenting client assessments, preparing progress notes, and writing reports in accordance with established professional / organizational standards, policies and procedures.

Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team in client care planning. Identifies clients who would benefit from Social Work intervention through participation in daily rounds and by referral from physicians, interdisciplinary team members, patient / family, or other community service providers.

Facilitates care conferences. Acts as a liaison between psychiatric unit and community agencies (Mental Health, Ministry of Employment & Income Assistance, Home Health Care, Ministry of Children & Family Development, Corrections or other community services).

Accompanies and transports patients to pre-placement visits to residential facilities as required. Provides education regarding community resources, arranges referrals and advocates on behalf of clients / families to assist in access to appropriate services.

Promotes ongoing quality improvement by participating on local committees and planning bodies, engaging in program / practice evaluation, identifying opportunities for improved effectiveness and engaging in ongoing professional development.

Maintains workload statistics in accordance with professional standards. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Bachelor's Degree of Social Work from an accredited school of Social Work.

One year's recent, related experience. Current full registration with the BC College of Social Workers. Valid BC Driver's license and access to personal vehicle for business related purposes.

Skills and Abilities Knowledge and understanding of psychosocial aspects of mental health issues. Familiarity with DSM IV criteria.

Knowledge of counseling skills, including brief solution focused therapy (individual / group); crisis intervention, motivational techniques, conflict resolution and resource counseling.

Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and establish a climate of trust and mutual respect. Knowledge of legislation applicable to social work in psychiatry and ability to apply the principles within the following Acts : Mental Health Act, Health Care Consent and Care Facility Admissions Act, Patients Property Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Adult Guardianship Act, Child Family and Community Service Act.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with clients / families, the health care team and community agency personnel.

Ability to organize and prioritize workload in a complex environment. Ability to operate related equipment. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.