Mental Health Social Worker Job Description
Mental Health Social Worker Job Profile and Description
Mental Health Social Worker’s job is to support individuals with mental health problems within the hospitals, community, and residential units. Their goal is to assess the person with mental illness and improve his life. They either work as a part of generic team, or integrated into multidisciplinary community health team.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assessing client’s levels of risk, and carrying out their needs assessments.
- Interviewing clients, reviewing records, and conferring with other professionals for the evaluation of physical or mental condition of client.
- Implementing group and individual therapy sessions and arranging breaks for health care providers, as necessary.
- Planning and conducting programs to improve health, to prevent substance abuse, and to combat social problems.
- Counseling and helping family members to aid them in supporting, understanding, and dealing with the client.
- Modifying treatment plans in accordance with changes in the client status.
- Collaborating with physicians, counselors, and nurses to develop, plan and manage treatment.
- Referring patient, family, or client to other agencies for treatment to help in recovery from physical or mental illness.
- Monitoring, evaluating, and recording client progress with that of treatment goals.
Skills and Specifications
- Knowledge of mental health laws and regulations.
- Ability to maintain friendly public relations.
- Ability to deal with stress and effectively manage time.
- Ability to take initiatives and decisions for the betterment of the individuals and their families.
- Should have strong writing and critical thinking skills.
Education and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work or sociology from an accredited institution.
- Master’s degree in the fields related to social work is an added advantage.