Social Worker IV
- Full-Time
- San Antonio, TX
- Health & Human Services Comm
- Posted 3 years ago – Accepting applications
Job Description
Are you ready to be professionally challenged? Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team of engaged and committed professionals? Then the Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) may be just the place for you! The State Hospital System, under the HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals located throughout the state and one youth residential psychiatric center in Waco. The HSCS is a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospitals provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and evidence-based. Whether in a direct-care or support role, your contribution will make a difference in the life of a Texan. Apply now to join our team.
The Social Worker IV performs and documents advanced social services work including serving as a liaison between the individual, legally authorized representative and others to assure ongoing care, treatment and support through the use of person centered practices. Gathers information to assess the individual's support systems and service needs, including participation in interdisciplinary team meetings, as needed. Completes an initial social history, as well as maintains appropriate updates. May also support the assessment of the individual's rights and capacity to make decisions and provides individual and group training to promote the exercise of rights. Designs and provides individual and group training to promote the exercise of rights and oversees training curriculum and materials. Assists with the coordination of admissions, transfers, transitions and discharges, as needed. Assigns and/or supervises the work of others. The Social Worker IV works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Essential Job Functions:
1. Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
2. Interviews and converses with individuals, legally authorized representatives, actively involved persons and agencies to create and maintain the individual’s social history through determination of what is important to the individual, gather background information needed to assess the individual’s support systems, and identify the individual’s psychosocial, economic and physical needs, with updates as appropriate. Examples include: upon admission or return on an extended forensic commitment; prior to transition to a new living situation; upon a change in status; and in preparation for the individual recovery plan meeting.
3. Oversees the communication and information exchange between the individual, legally authorized representative, actively involved person and agencies, as needed, and facility or treatment providers to assure ongoing care, treatment and support to include: maintaining open communication; providing required notification; participating in interdisciplinary team meetings as requested; obtaining necessary consents; and accessing external resources as needed.
4. Counsels and provides assistance to individuals, their legally authorized representative, and actively involved persons regarding guardianship issues, annual living options discussions, end-of-life planning and rights in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations and state and center policies.
5. Assigns and oversees the work, time and travel of Social Worker I, II and III positions and social work students including: interviewing and hiring to fill vacancies; training of new staff and current staff as needed; performing evaluations and counseling, as needed; and ensuring adherence to licensure requirements and social work best practices.
6. Oversees and provides coordination of admissions, transfers, transitions, discharges, and furloughs as needed to assure access to services through the use of person-centered practices. Examples include: overseeing and coordinating tours of the facility for individuals and families interested in admission; providing information to the local authority to assist in obtaining required documents for admission including certified birth certificates, ISD records and social security cards; coordinating with the receiving facility for individuals transferring within the State Hospital system to include transportation and the transfer of resident information, personal possessions, medication, etc.; providing education and consultation related to admissions, transfers, transitions, discharges and furloughs; and evaluating processes and procedures related to admissions, transfers, transitions, discharges and furloughs.
7. Designs and conducts individual and group training to explore and promote exercise of rights, voting, citizenship, and development of decision-making, person centered thinking and self-advocacy skills. Oversees training and curriculum development designed to support individuals.
8. Organizes and participates in individuals and family meetings and internal/external work groups.
9. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
1. Knowledge of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, human growth and development, behavioral and mental health, developmental and emotional components of physical illness, social work standards for case management.
2. Knowledge of facility and community resources, and the principles, methods and theories used to practice as a social worker.
3. Skills in interviewing, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, mediation, counseling, information and referral, problem solving, supervision, consultation and advocacy.
4. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally in both individual and group settings.
5. Ability to supervise the work of others.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Prefer either a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) and five years of experience or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with two years of experience. Either Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and five years of experience or Master’s degree in Social Work with two years of experience and eligible to attain LBSW or LMSW. Must attain Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) within 1 year of employment. The Social worker is required to maintain licensure in accordance with Texas Board of Social Work Examiners.
Prior to obtaining licensure, functional title for the position is Social Services Specialist. Once licensure is gained (or if already bestowed at time of hire), the title of Social Worker and subsequent credentials can be used.
Initial Selection Criteria:
1. Prefer either a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) and five years of experience or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with two years of experience. Either Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and five years of experience in Social Work or Master’s degree in Social Work with two years of experience and eligible to attain LBSW or LMSW. Must attain LBSW or LMSW within 1 year of employment.
2. At least two years of experience working directly with persons with mental health disorders.
Additional Information:
Salary Note: The salary offered will follow HHS HR Policy starting salary guidelines which are typically made at or near the minimum of the salary range. For internal applicants, there can be limitations in consideration of applicant’s current classification and salary and is dependent upon available budget.
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and HHS OIG list of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All of these diseases are vaccine-preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.
If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.
MOS Code:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68X, 67D, 73A, HM, 230X, 0149, 42SX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.
Apply to this Job
The Social Worker IV performs and documents advanced social services work including serving as a liaison between the individual, legally authorized representative and others to assure ongoing care, treatment and support through the use of person centered practices. Gathers information to assess the individual's support systems and service needs, including participation in interdisciplinary team meetings, as needed. Completes an initial social history, as well as maintains appropriate updates. May also support the assessment of the individual's rights and capacity to make decisions and provides individual and group training to promote the exercise of rights. Designs and provides individual and group training to promote the exercise of rights and oversees training curriculum and materials. Assists with the coordination of admissions, transfers, transitions and discharges, as needed. Assigns and/or supervises the work of others. The Social Worker IV works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Essential Job Functions:
1. Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
2. Interviews and converses with individuals, legally authorized representatives, actively involved persons and agencies to create and maintain the individual’s social history through determination of what is important to the individual, gather background information needed to assess the individual’s support systems, and identify the individual’s psychosocial, economic and physical needs, with updates as appropriate. Examples include: upon admission or return on an extended forensic commitment; prior to transition to a new living situation; upon a change in status; and in preparation for the individual recovery plan meeting.
3. Oversees the communication and information exchange between the individual, legally authorized representative, actively involved person and agencies, as needed, and facility or treatment providers to assure ongoing care, treatment and support to include: maintaining open communication; providing required notification; participating in interdisciplinary team meetings as requested; obtaining necessary consents; and accessing external resources as needed.
4. Counsels and provides assistance to individuals, their legally authorized representative, and actively involved persons regarding guardianship issues, annual living options discussions, end-of-life planning and rights in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations and state and center policies.
5. Assigns and oversees the work, time and travel of Social Worker I, II and III positions and social work students including: interviewing and hiring to fill vacancies; training of new staff and current staff as needed; performing evaluations and counseling, as needed; and ensuring adherence to licensure requirements and social work best practices.
6. Oversees and provides coordination of admissions, transfers, transitions, discharges, and furloughs as needed to assure access to services through the use of person-centered practices. Examples include: overseeing and coordinating tours of the facility for individuals and families interested in admission; providing information to the local authority to assist in obtaining required documents for admission including certified birth certificates, ISD records and social security cards; coordinating with the receiving facility for individuals transferring within the State Hospital system to include transportation and the transfer of resident information, personal possessions, medication, etc.; providing education and consultation related to admissions, transfers, transitions, discharges and furloughs; and evaluating processes and procedures related to admissions, transfers, transitions, discharges and furloughs.
7. Designs and conducts individual and group training to explore and promote exercise of rights, voting, citizenship, and development of decision-making, person centered thinking and self-advocacy skills. Oversees training and curriculum development designed to support individuals.
8. Organizes and participates in individuals and family meetings and internal/external work groups.
9. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
1. Knowledge of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, human growth and development, behavioral and mental health, developmental and emotional components of physical illness, social work standards for case management.
2. Knowledge of facility and community resources, and the principles, methods and theories used to practice as a social worker.
3. Skills in interviewing, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, mediation, counseling, information and referral, problem solving, supervision, consultation and advocacy.
4. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally in both individual and group settings.
5. Ability to supervise the work of others.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Prefer either a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) and five years of experience or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with two years of experience. Either Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and five years of experience or Master’s degree in Social Work with two years of experience and eligible to attain LBSW or LMSW. Must attain Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) within 1 year of employment. The Social worker is required to maintain licensure in accordance with Texas Board of Social Work Examiners.
Prior to obtaining licensure, functional title for the position is Social Services Specialist. Once licensure is gained (or if already bestowed at time of hire), the title of Social Worker and subsequent credentials can be used.
Initial Selection Criteria:
1. Prefer either a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) and five years of experience or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with two years of experience. Either Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and five years of experience in Social Work or Master’s degree in Social Work with two years of experience and eligible to attain LBSW or LMSW. Must attain LBSW or LMSW within 1 year of employment.
2. At least two years of experience working directly with persons with mental health disorders.
Additional Information:
Salary Note: The salary offered will follow HHS HR Policy starting salary guidelines which are typically made at or near the minimum of the salary range. For internal applicants, there can be limitations in consideration of applicant’s current classification and salary and is dependent upon available budget.
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and HHS OIG list of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All of these diseases are vaccine-preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.
If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.
MOS Code:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68X, 67D, 73A, HM, 230X, 0149, 42SX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.