Behavioral Health Social Worker 

Located at the Behavioral Health Hospital at the Masonicare Health Center - Wallingford, CT

Day Shift - 40 hours per week

LMSW, LPC, LMFT, or LCSW are required

Summary of Position: The Social Worker will be responsible for providing clinical services to the Geriatric Medical Psychiatric Program as a member for the multidisciplinary team.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1.       Completes psychosocial assessments which are age and culturally relevant and address the patient/residents social, emotional, financial, environmental, psychological, physical and cognitive status for patients admitted to GMPP.

2.         Participates in weekly care planning sessions.  Formulates a plan of care, which addresses the disposition (plan) and identifies the needs of the patient/family member(s).  Discusses this plan/recommendations with patient/family and others as appropriate.

3.         Plans and implements the entire transfer/discharge process, which would include inter & intra agency referrals, the procurement of necessary medical equipment, prosthetic and assistive devices and the referral to specialized community programs as indicated.

4.        Communicates pertinent information regarding patient's progress and needs to appropriate hospital staff in a manner that insures their right to privacy and confidentiality.

5.        Acts as a liaison/advocate between referral source, family and unit.  Participates in educational presentations for professional and lay persons.

6.        Ensures timely reporting of cases of suspected elder abuse and/or neglect and provides appropriate follow-up as needed.

7.        Provides individual, group and family psychotherapy as appropriate.  Under the direction of the program director, assists in developing and implementing daily programs.  Conducts educational components of the program and treatment modalities.

8.        Assists in determining patients' legal competence/status when indicated and serves as a liaison to outside agencies and family members.  Facilitates the process of conservatorship in appropriate cases.

9.        Contributes to the review and revision of program policies and procedures consistent with state, federal and community standards.  Adheres to principles of medical psychiatric collaborative practice. 

10.       Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:                  LMSW

Experience:                 1 year of experience in an inpatient psychiatric facility or LTC setting and familiarity with the needs of the elderly.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Certificate in Social Work

Key Competencies:     Assessment and evaluation of geriatric-psychiatric patients, strong interpersonal skills with families and referral sources, proficient in psychotherapy techniques.  Basic computer skills.