Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Provides professional counseling services of a preventative and developmental nature through direct consultation with patients. Therapy activities include individual, group and couples counseling. Develops program criteria for area of specialization such as couples or addictive behavior counseling. May be responsible for supervising the work of Social Workers, Interns or other caseworkers.

Qualifications

Current Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.*) certificate for clinical practice and two years directly related experience; demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team; ability to communicate verbally as well as in writing; and experience with conflict resolution when counseling individuals, couples and groups required.

Experience working with community resources, instructing and supervising Social Workers, Interns and other caseworkers preferred.

Five years of experience may be required in some areas.

*An L.C.S.W. is earned after completing 4000 hours of Social Work experience and a passing score on the L.C.S.W. exam.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Develops and implements individualized treatment approach to meet the needs of each patient and their families.
2. Works in close collaboration with all members of the treatment team including medical doctors, to further their understanding of significant social and emotional factors contributing to the patient’s well being.
3. Identifies appropriate outside resources, such as community agencies, to assist patients with resuming life in their own community and how to live with the patient's limitations.
4. Assists in the development of departmental policies and procedures.
5. Oversees and supervises Social Workers, Interns and caseworkers within area of assignment.

Problem Solving

Working independently, this position has the authority to provide individual, group and couples counseling. Creativity and flexibility is essential in assessing an appropriate treatment for various levels of behavioral and emotional difficulties. This position has the authority to oversee the activities of Social Workers, Interns and other caseworkers in their area.

Challenges faced by the incumbent include the ability to counsel patients with existing problems and to provide tools for handling future difficulties. The incumbent will assist patients and their families with post-treatment adjustments including but not limited to working closely with local, state and federal agencies to ensure the patient receives the appropriate assistance.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. 

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.