POSITION: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

LOCATION: 11201 Benton St. Loma Linda, CA 92357

SCHEDULE:

• Normal working hours are defined as 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday.
• Normal weekly requirements per Full Time Equivalent (FTE) shall be 40 hours.

BENEFITS: Competitive hourly pay rate, accrued vacation, accrued sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays, 401K opportunity, and Healthcare benefits contribution.  

QUALIFICATIONS: The contract LCSWs shall meet the following qualifying criteria:

• Hold a master’s degree in social work granted by a graduate program fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Have prior social work experience, preferably in a healthcare facility setting.
• Be licensed through the State of California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) at the advanced practice level. License must be current and unencumbered.
• Have clear verbal and written communication in English.
• Have the ability to use computers for basic word processing functions, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, etc
• Experienced in making rapid assessments and developing crisis management plans for admission to mental health inpatient programs.
• Possess working knowledge of medical and psychiatric diagnostic treatment and procedural terminology.

DUTIES:

• The total number of encounters required for each contracted LCSW per month is at a minimum of 50 and is subject to change due to vacancies, increase in demand for services (increased workload), unanticipated illnesses, and vacation coverage.
• Performance shall be monitored by the Senior Supervisory Social Worker over the Acute Mental Health Section, who will be an employee on the VALLHS
• Leadership will receive regular reports updating on the quality of clinical and administrative services.
• Shall openly participate in consultation with the VA’s designated leads regarding complex situations and ethical and legal matters.
• Shall provide direct and indirect services to eligible Veterans including clinical assessments, treatment, and determining priorities requiring independent judgment, improving organizational and communication skills, and shall utilize an interdisciplinary approach in the provision of these services.
• Shall be directed to the needs of Veterans confronted with crisis, homelessness, substance abuse, life-threatening illnesses, traumatic losses, chronic diseases, and/or disabilities including chronic mental illness. This includes assessments for possible hospitalization, including 5150 certifications, addressing social and environmental concerns that can cause challenges in participating in treatment or impede the Veteran’s success and healthy living.

LCSW functions within the policies of VALLHS and shall perform the following duties:

• Evaluate the Veteran to determine whether acute psychiatric hospitalization is indicated by assessing strengths, limitations, abilities, preferences, risk factors, internal/external supports, and service needs.
• Shall demonstrate an understanding of diagnosis and the range of treatment and skills needed for all adult patients including geriatric patients related to their physical limitations, psychological needs and age associated illnesses and conditions.
• Develop a psychosocial assessment of the Veteran in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team, the Veteran, family members and significant others. The goal of the assessment is to highlight the Veteran's strengths, limitations, abilities, preferences, risk factors, internal/external supports and service needs in order to optimize the Veteran’s functional status. It is the responsibility of the LCSWs to participate in the treatment planning process with the Veteran and the interdisciplinary treatment team based on this assessment.
• Will partner with Emergency Department (ED) Psych Provider to facilitate admission to APU as indicated.
• LCSW, working with the interdisciplinary treatment team, shall participate in developing a mutually agreed upon treatment plan with the Veteran and family (when possible), which includes Veteran-centered goals, objectives and interventions.
• LCSW are subject matter expert on VA and/or community resources.
• Shall provide appropriate resources, based on assessment, and expressed needs, to Veterans being discharged home or transferred to another facility.
• Throughout the course of treatment, LCSW shall collaborate with other service providers in reassessing the Veteran’s needs.
• LCSW is responsible for educating the Veteran and/or caregiver of the available services and assisting them in establishing the appropriate referrals based on the Veteran’s preference or that of the surrogate decision maker.
• Shall understand the intricacies of bureaucracy and act as an advocate when it serves the best interest of the Veteran/family.
• When appropriate,  will educate and encourage the Veteran/family to advocate on their own behalf, thus fostering a sense of independence and empowerment.
• LCSWs have access to multiple resources in addition to previously developed resources to meet the demands of a crisis.
• Document and report suspected cases of abuse within the required timeframe and in conjunction with a discussion with the designated Senior Supervisory Social Worker.
• Provide education related to VA and community resources, entitlements, advance directives/living wills, mental health treatment preferences and shall refer Veterans/families to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for identified health education needs.
• Review the progress notes from the other providers to accurately determine the strengths and limitations of each Veteran being referred for mental health services.
• Educate the Veteran, family, and team of all options available to them and will collaborate on the preferred option.
• Provide the Veteran and their caregiver with ongoing supportive counseling, and individual, family and group psychotherapy throughout admission/ED visit.
• Complete incident reports, inquiries/controlled correspondences, and reports with the support and guidance of the designated social work lead.
• Perform other ancillary duties as requested by the designated social work lead and/or the Clinical or Administrative Directors.
• Maintain and update resource files in assigned areas of community resource needs such as transportation, meal programs, housing/shelters, adult daycare, support groups, Department of Public Social Services, extended care facilities, and other resources as required.
• Document patient-care activities in Medical Records in accordance with Departmental standards and VA policies.
• Shall comply with the VALLHS Medical Center and Service line directives, procedures, policies, and statistical requirements.
• Communicate with staff at other VA facilities and community agencies. With the consent of the Veteran, provide needed medical/psychosocial information to support referrals for continuity of care.

REQUIRMENTS: To be conserved, provide a copy of the following documents as proof of qualifications:

• Detailed CV listing month and year of education, work history, and any volunteer services.
• LCSW unencumbered License to practice in the state of CA
• CPR Certification (if applicable).