*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.

The State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, New Hampshire Hospital has a full-time vacancy for Senior Psychiatric Social Worker.

Summary:
This position is assigned to work with the patient population on an inpatient psychiatric unit. Performs clinical, administrative and supervisory duties in a psychiatric inpatient program that is concerned with assessment and treatment of adults and children. Provides therapeutic and casework services to patients, families, guardians and significant others which include but are not limited to individual psychotherapy, psycho education and support, various group therapies, advocacy and discharge planning. Requires use of professional judgment in the context of understanding issues specific to adults with mental illness or behavioral disturbance and their families and the ability to negotiate and familiarity with the New Hampshire mental health service delivery system.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a college or university approved by the Council on Social Work Education.

Experience: Five years' experience involving psychiatric social work (mental, emotional or behavioral disorders) prior or subsequent to obtaining the graduate degree with at least two years in a supervisory capacity.

License/Certification: Must possess a New Hampshire driver's license and have access to transportation with liability insurance as required by state laws.

Special Requirements: Must successfully complete the State's Safe Driving Program within the first six (6) months of employment and maintain certification. As a condition of and prior to hire, the applicant must have verified his/her current New Hampshire driving record supplied by the Dept. of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles indicating no major traffic violations.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in providing case management services within the mental health service delivery system. Knowledge of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. Familiarity with computer applications such as email, basic word-processing and database input. Preferred to have license or be eligible for licensure through reciprocity as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the State of New Hampshire.

Responsibilities:

• Provides initial and supplemental consultation/supervision of other MSW level clinicians and/or case managers around specific treatment issues such as: appropriate therapeutic interventions for the specified population, and the formulation of developmental and age-specific discharge plans that include assessment of residential needs. Incorrect decisions or poor judgment in this area can jeopardize the patient and service providers as well as family members and significant others with regard to liability, safety and quality of life issues.
• Performs a complicated, detailed and involved assessment of a highly professional nature to gather sensitive background material from patients, family members, service providers, schools, guardians, legal professionals as indicated, as well as reading past clinical records to formulate a comprehensive psychosocial assessment in order to make clinical recommendations for inpatient interventions and aftercare needs.
  
• On the basis of an in-depth comprehensive psychosocial assessment, develops treatment goals, implements patient and family related interventions, as indicated, in conjunction with the treatment team and is the interdisciplinary treatment team member who is responsible for ensuring that an ongoing discussion of discharge issues occurs.
  
• Provides individual, group and family therapy and casework to assigned cases and based on program needs. Must be knowledgeable with and willing to apply a broad range of established therapeutic techniques.
  
• Utilizes interventions consistent with current research relevant to developmental, cultural and age/disability-specific needs. Gathers information to analyze the efficacy of interventions and documents this in the clinical record.
  
• Oversees documentation of social services interventions in the clinical record and follows hospital and departmental policies and procedures as well as discipline-specific standards and expectations for documentation. This includes but is not limited to: Initial Progress notes, Progress notes, psychosocial histories legal documentation etc.
  
• Monitors legal issues, including but not limited to, guardianships, pending court hearings, court orders, probate commitments and conditional discharges and facilitates appropriate involvement of the patient in these proceedings. Assists clinical treatment teams by initiating these processes, when appropriate.
  
• Provides support, modeling, and hands on assistance to other hospital staff to reinforce courteous interactions and clinically appropriate interventions with patients.
  
• Establishes and maintains highly sensitive contacts with a wide range of community agencies. Advocates to service providers and appropriate agencies to ensure that necessary community supports are available to facilitate development of an optimal discharge plan, which may include residential placement. The nature of these contacts requires exercise of considerable judgment and sensitivity, as the outcome can affect quantity and quality of services provided to patients.
  
• Performs Administrative/Managerial functions that include but are not limited to team leadership of interdisciplinary professional teams, program development, committee leadership and/or participation as well as involvement in external community groups whose focus is on developing or enhancing services to adults who have mental illness. Provides supervision to those seeking LICSW credentialing and supervises departmental staff, as assigned. May be designated Department Director in the absence of the Director, Social Work Department and is expected to assist in administratively covering social service need both in indirect and direct care capacities throughout the hospital.
  
  

Supervisors Workplace Safety Accountabilities

Ensures compliance with established hospital and departmental safety policies and procedures by:

• Conducting periodic (minimum quarterly basis) on site reviews.

• Completing competency- based review, when applicable.

• Providing on the spot reinforcement/training on safety issues; referring staff to formal training programs, as appropriate.

• Recording safety related initiatives for annual reporting.
  

Total Commitment to Quality

Participates in the formulation of the mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives for the Department. Carries out same by acting as an agent of the Department within the Hospital. Supports the organizational mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives as demonstrated by a positive leadership presence in unit based, departmental, hospital wide, or in public meetings/committees.

Participates in the process of continuous quality improvement by supporting unit-based quality improvement activities. Demonstrates commitment to customer service values in professional conduct and by promoting such values in assigned staff.

For further information please contact Roxanna Usticke, LICSW, Assistant Director of Social Work, Roxanna.Usticke@dhhs.nh.gov and 603-271-5386.

You may also contact Human Resources at NHH-HR@dhhs.nh.gov.

*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:

HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:

The actual value of State-paid health benefits is based on the employee's union status, and employee per pay period health benefit contributions will vary depending on the type of plan selected.

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 14.53% of pay

Other Benefits:

o Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)

o Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts

o State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan

o Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan

o $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low- cost group life insurance

o Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:

EOE

TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964