Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Job Summary

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) will work to reduce the distress and improve the mental health of the underserved populations presenting with complex medical and psychosocial problems. Working specifically within the CDU Mobile Health Outreach Program, this position is funded by a HRSA grant dedicated to enhancing the training of resident physicians in the care of people experiencing homelessness.

The LCSW provides social work services including assessment, short-term and crisis counseling, individualized care planning, and case coordination to patients and their families. The LCSW will work alongside other professionals in a multidisciplinary team in order to deal with complex patient problems. This role assesses, develops, and coordinates a clinical treatment program for patients with acute or chronic mild to medium mental health disorders and consults with staff regarding the diagnosis, strengths, and deficits of members as needed. Additionally, the LCSW serves as a liaison between CDU and the community to integrate services, coordinate care for clients, and enhance relationships through public relations activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a comprehensive referral and social linkage system specifically tailored to address the unique barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness.
• Teach and mentor resident physicians regarding best practices in care coordination, social determinants of health, and psychosocial support for homeless populations.
• Lead the multidisciplinary team alongside medical providers, nurses, social workers, front office staff and case managers, regarding mental and behavioral health of clients.
• Develop individualized treatment plans as part of ongoing assessment of patients and in collaboration with the case manager.
• Refer patients to institutions, health centers, support services, psychiatry, and other specialists as needed.
• Provide consultation services to multidisciplinary team members by evaluating the biopsychosocial implications of the patient’s illness when the team is assessing and planning medical treatment.
• Provide functional assessments in reports to the Department of Public Social Services, Department of Child and Family Services, Social Security Administration, and the Judiciary.
• Provide case management or referral to assist homeless patients with accessing vital resources such as housing, substance abuse treatment, specialty mental health care, and public benefits.
• Document all assessments, diagnoses, care plans, interventions and referrals in our electronic medical records system.
• Lead Substance Abuse/Use and Positive support groups.
• Comply with CDU’s policies and maintain confidentiality when interacting with patients, families, personnel and the public.
• Perform any other tasks and duties as assigned.

Education

• Registered in the State of California as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum five years of providing social work services (i.e., assessment, diagnosis, individual and group therapies) to underserved populations, homeless, incarcerated, mentally ill, LGBTQ, and substance abuse adult populations.
• Spanish fluency highly desired.
• Must be able to operate Ford cargo vans, which require a valid California Class C driver’s license.

Knowledge / Abilities / Skills

• Ability to be a team player, support and assist team members, be available to help, and learn from the team.
• Keep an open mind to feedback and earn the trust of staff and providers.
• Team player, excellent verbal and communication skills, adaptable in different situations, possesses excellent client interaction skills, able to multi-task and work independently.
• PC proficient and Electronic Medical Record system proficient.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to effectively learn new software related to the position.
• Able to maintain a cooperative and courteous demeanor and handle confidential and sensitive materials in a professional manner.
• Excellent patient service presentation and extremely detail-oriented.
• Strong personal initiative that helps identify problems and follow up (especially patient care related issues).
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize so that deadlines are met in a timely and accurate manner.
• High initiative, flexible team approach.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; excellent telephone manner.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain confidentiality/HIPAA.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems, as well as create, compose, and edit written materials.
• Ability to be supportive and acknowledge individuality.

Complexity & Demands

• Complexity: The ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position.
• Physical Demands: Occasional stooping. Frequent standing. Constant walking, sitting, climbing, reaching high/low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing conversationally, and seeing far and near.
• Work Environment: Occasionally required to work in confined space as well as field work.
• Mental Demands: Frequent variety of unrelated tasks. Constant calculating, interrupted work, a variety of interrelated tasks, and use of sustained concentration, reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity.
• Special Requirements: Ability to work effectively with a diverse community.

Conditional Employment:

The employment status of this position is classified as “Conditional.” Conditional employment means that the job exists contingent upon continued funding and limitations of restricted funds or, the duration of a specific program, project, grant, or contract. Since 100% of your salary is funded by (Residency Training in Street Medicine, end date (06/30/2027), your position is contingent upon the continued receipt of these funds. Continuation of your position is dependent, in part, upon funding availability. Furthermore, no work may be performed after the grant end date(s) unless you have received an extension in writing from a Dean, Division VP, or Human Resources.

Compensation:

• $35.72 - $44.65 an hour

Position Status:

• Part-Time, Non-exempt

EEO Statement: Charles R. Drew University is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, race, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability or covered veteran status.

Fair Chance Statement: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local “Fair Chance” laws