Clinical Social Worker (Health Facility) Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established July 1, 2005

Scope

Under general direction, in a health or correctional facility, to do clinical social work with individuals with mental, physical, or developmental disabilities, and their communities; and to do other related work.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Positions are responsible for maintaining safety by assisting staff in inspecting facilities, or observing behavior to identify or intervene in security breaches that could lead to injuries or escape, are appropriately allocated to the class of Clinical Social Worker (Health/Correctional Facility) � Safety. The class of Clinical Social Worker (Health Facility) is used for positions performing clinical social work in a nonforensic setting.

Definition of Series

Incumbents conduct assessments and summarize case information for use in diagnosis, treatment (level of care), and dispositional release; diagnose and/or collaborate in the formulation of a diagnosis; develop, monitor, and modify treatment plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team; identify and recommend appropriate services based on assessment and, where applicable, civil or penal code commitment; provide individual and group therapy as delineated in the treatment plan; provide suicide and crisis risk assessment and intervention; participate in risk assessment, evaluation, and recommendation for alternate level of care placement, for release to the community, or other case disposition (with consideration for the risk the patient presents to the community); coordinate discharge planning activities and act as resource on accessing appropriate community support and services to be utilized upon release; respond to requests from clients/patients, family members, courts, and community agencies; provide social work services to family members (Departments of Mental Health, Developmental Services, and Veterans Affairs only) and community agencies; consult with colleagues and other staff on behavior management treatment issues; prepare verbal and written social work reports and provide court testimony, as required by law and policy, which can be used in all legal jurisdictions; participate in professional meetings, committees, training, and conferences; and participate in research and Quality Assurance and Improvement (QA&I).

Minimum Qualifications

Both Classes:

Possession of a valid license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker issued by the California Board of Behavioral Science. [Individuals who do not qualify for licensure by the California Board of Behavioral Science may be admitted into the examination and may be appointed but must secure a valid license within four years of appointment; however, an individual can be employed only to the extent necessary to be eligible for licensure plus one year. An extension of the waiver may be granted for one additional year based on extenuating circumstances, as provided by Section 1277(e) of the Health and Safety Code. The time duration for unlicensed employment does not apply to active doctoral candidates in social work, social welfare, or social service, until the completion of such training.]

[Unlicensed individuals who are recruited from outside the State of California and who qualify for licensure may take the examination and may be appointed for a maximum of one year at which time licensure shall have been obtained or the employment shall be terminated; an extension of the waiver may be granted for an additional one year based on extenuating circumstances, as provided by Section 1277(e) of the Health and Safety Code. Individuals granted an additional one year based on extenuating circumstances may be appointed for a maximum of two years at which time licensure shall have been obtained or the employment shall be terminated. Additionally, they must take the licensure examination at the earliest possible date after the date of employment.] and Education: Completion of a master's degree program from an accredited school of social work, approved by the Council on Social Work Education.

Knowledge and Abilities

Both Classes:

Knowledge of: Principles, procedures, techniques, trends, and literature of social work with particular reference to clinical social work; psycho/social aspects of mental and developmental and physical disabilities; community organization principles; scope and activities of public and private health and welfare agencies; characteristics of mental, developmental, and physical disabilities; current trends in mental health, public health and public welfare, and Federal and State programs in these fields.

Ability to: Utilize and effectively apply the required technical knowledge; establish and maintain the confidence and cooperation of persons contacted in the work; secure accurate psycho/social data and record such data systematically; prepare clear, accurate, and concise reports; work family and community agencies in preparation for discharge; develop and implement programs; provide professional consultation; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; communicate effectively.

Special Personal Characteristics

Both Classes:

An objective and empathic understanding of individuals with the mental, developmental, or physical disabilities; flexibility to alter hours as needed; tolerance; tact; emotional stability; and respect for persons from diverse backgrounds.

Special Physical Characteristics

Clinical Social Worker (Health/Correctional Facility) � Safety

Persons appointed to the class of Clinical Social Worker (Health/Correctional Facility) Safety are reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during physically, mentally, and emotionally stressful situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well-being or that of their fellow employees, patients, or inmates.

Assignments may include sole responsibility for the control of patients, clients, or inmates and the protection of personal and real property.

Drug Testing Requirement

Both Classes:

Applicants for positions in these classes are required to pass a drug-screening test. Testing of current employees who are applicants in an examination or who are transferring is permitted only if the person does not have a current appointment to a class for which drug testing is a requirement.

Class History