DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES

Address:  501 North 24th Street Phoenix, AZ 85008

Salary: $61,820 - $67,440 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This position is eligible for a $5,000 hiring incentive.

The Psychiatric Social Worker manages the care and treatment of patients at the Arizona State Hospital- coordinating admissions and discharges within the state's community-based program/facilities (i.e. residential, day-treatment, out-patient treatment, etc.). This position coordinates the care and treatment with multidisciplinary teams within the hospital, conducts individual, group, and family therapy, interventions, treatments and provides psychoeducation. Additional duties involve preparing patient clinical documentation for admission, course of treatment, and discharge, assisting in securing of patient entitlements, developing treatment plans, preparation of correspondence for legal matters, and acts as a primary contact for community agencies, case managers, guardians, family members, etc.- ensuring compliance with all state and federal requirements and regulations (i.e. Joint Commission, Medicare, Medicaid, and state licensure).

− Conducts individual, group and family therapy, interventions, treatment, provides psychoeducation using professionally accepted psychotherapeutic interventions; observes and documents patient progress and changes in the psychosocial conditions, attitudes, and behaviors.
− Performs social work activities of assigned caseload; conducts psychosocial assessments, assists in the development, review, and update of individual treatment plans relevant to the patients’ specific diagnosis and treatment needs, acts as a primary contact for patients, community agencies, case managers, guardians, family members, etc. Assesses discharge readiness and coordinates discharge planning in the community.
− Coordinates/Manages patient care and treatment with multidisciplinary treatment teams, coordinates/participates in multidisciplinary staffing with the patient/guardian, community supports, and community agencies.
− Attends and participates in professional conferences, workshops, seminars to comply with ongoing professional education and training requirements of the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners; participates in staff and department clinical meetings to ensure provision of appropriate clinical care and coordination of services.
− Attends and participates in administrative meetings to ensure compliance with all Arizona State Hospital policy and procedures and state and federal regulations (i.e. Joint Commission, Medicare, Medicaid, and state licensure).
− Other duties as assigned as related to the position

Knowledge:
− Knowledge of methods and techniques of interactive treatment/therapy of patients with serious mental illness and/or in need of psychiatric care; current concepts of basic human needs and response.
− Knowledge of clinical documentation; state and community resources for patients with
serious mental illness.
− Knowledge of current concepts, theories, and terminology used in diagnosis and treatment of persons in need of psychiatric care.
− Knowledge of Performance Management (PM), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and Lean methodologies.

Skills:
- Strong leadership ability and excellent verbal and written communication.
- Skills in evaluation of family dynamics, social influences, and interpersonal relationships
- Skills in interaction with psychiatric patients and their families; in therapeutic intervention, interviewing patients and family members/community representatives.

Ability:
- Write and complete discharge plans, assessments, and reports.
- Provide quality social services to patients and their families.
- Timely and accurately write required reports and psychosocial assessments.
- Follow and interpret program policies and procedures.
- Work independently within the guidelines of the treatment team.
- Support a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.

The preferred candidate will be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) per the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners and will possess work experience in a psychiatric setting and competency in care of adults and the forensic population.

- Candidate will have a Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university (MSW) and candidate will be a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) per the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners at time of hire or within 12 months of hire.

- A State Hospital employee must be able to obtain a valid Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card pursuant to A.R.S. § 41-1758.07.

Driving is required for State Business.
- Employees who drive on state business require possession of and the ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any driver training (See Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.11).

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
− Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
− Paid vacation and sick time
− 10 paid holidays per year
− Wellness program and plans
− Life insurance
− Short/long-term disability insurance
− Defined retirement plan
− Award winning Infant at Work program
− Credit union membership
− Transit subsidy
− ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will make a contribution to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27 week wait period for contributions to begin.

Arizona State Government is an EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 220-6462. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.