Lead Inpatient Clinician, LCSW Social Worker

1. Assists Director and Manager in optimizing clinical staff’s functioning and development

• Assures that clinical staff effectively delivers milieu, individual, and family interventions.
• Monitors team process, provides early identification of potential staff difficulties and proposes solutions.
• Monitors day to day quality of clinical work and documentation by clinical staff.
• As requested by Director, meets with individual staff to address problems or enhance skills.

2. Assists Director and Manager in establishing individual clinical plans for all program patients and coordinates the implementation of these plans.

• Assesses clinical situations, guides clinical staff in appropriate and best practice interventions.
• Facilitates staff communication and planning regarding patient care issues.
• Assures that individual treatment plans are up to date and relevant.
• Assures timely and appropriate discharge planning and liaison with other departments and outside providers.

3. Responsible for providing assessment, treatment and evaluation of the psychiatric client

• Uses an effective interview style leading to a working alliance with patients.
• Involves the patient’s family, other support systems and other treatment providers in the evaluation and management of the patient, guided by the limits of confidentiality and as appropriate in clinical circumstances.
• As appropriate to the clinical setting, elicits a complete, problem-focused history including a mental status examination, a diagnosis (consistent with current DSM), and a plan for treatment made in conjunction with the patient.
• Evaluates and revises interventions and treatment plans on an ongoing basis according to the patient’s needs and progress.
• Demonstrates knowledge/skills in psychotherapeutic techniques, therapies and modalities. Applies them appropriately based on an assessment of the patient’s and family’s psychological needs.
• Initiates psycho educational teaching to patients and families based on identified health needs.
• Maintains a holistic approach to patient care integrating emotional, physical, social and spiritual needs into the treatment.
• Understands the developmental and life-stage issues appropriate to the population served and incorporates this understanding into evaluation and treatment.

4. Responsible for assuring coordinated care within the assigned setting and assuring continuity of care within the Intensive Outpatient Program

• Works collaboratively and communicates effectively, both verbally and in written communications, with the interdisciplinary team of the assigned setting, with the Director/Chief of the assigned service and within the department.
• Documents in a clear, concise, legible, logical and timely fashion.
• Completes necessary communications as needed for insurance authorizations and for outside agencies in a timely fashion.

5. Provides psychiatric services in other parts of the Department of Psychiatry for patients identified as having urgent mental health problems or concerns.

• Responsible for accurately evaluating the risk and the treatment of patients
• Responsible for close collaboration and clear communication with IOP, CPS, Crisis and Outpatient Clinic Staff
• Demonstrates the ability to develop an adequate, appropriate plan for disposition or referral of patients in need of further services..
• Participates in the ongoing evaluation of services provided.

6. Assists in the review of referrals from within the Department, the Health System and the community.

• Works in collaboration with the referral sources on the results of the initial screening and resources available for patients
• Respects the confidentiality of the medical record and communications concerning the patient, as per State of Connecticut and Federal statutes.
• Maintains an awareness of community resources

7. Demonstrates an awareness of and adherence to all institutional, regulatory, legal and professional guidelines governing the provision of mental health and chemical dependency services.

• Understands and follows policies and procedures of hospital, department and assigned setting.
• Effectively integrates clinical and ethical standards and guidelines for the assigned setting into daily work practice.
• Implements standards and guidelines for JCAHO, Medicare and other regulatory agencies into daily practice.
• Respects the confidentiality of the medical record and communications concerning the patient, as per State of Connecticut and Federal statutes.
• Demonstrates an awareness of legal aspects concerning the provision of patient treatment.
• Maintains standards of the National Board of Certified Drug & Alcohol Counselors and meets all applicable credentialing requirements.

8. Maintains responsibility for attendance/reliability to ensure that the Hospital is operated in an efficient and cost effective manner.

9. Contributes to the mission of the Organization by supporting the Employee Philosophy, Planetree Model of Care, and organizational goals.