Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Organizes and participates in individuals and family meetings and internal/external work groups.
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.