Psychiatric Social Worker III

Recruitment #040121-MDDR03-350600

Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

Summary Statement

The incumbent works in the Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC) at the Jane E. Mitchell Forensic Building (JEM) with a total of 42 male and female clients who are considered level 5 supervision under the custody of the Delaware Department of Corrections. Level five is the most secure facility in the criminal justice system. The incumbent performs discipline management, recovery mission and compliance with inspection and audit criteria. Other duties include admission tasks such as social assessments, chart auditing, review of critical incidents. The incumbent consults with an interdisciplinary team and external agencies as necessary to promote person-centered recovery goals. The incumbent is considered essential personnel and must report to work in a state of emergency.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

  • Interviews patients, clients, family members and/or persons deemed necessary to obtain the most complete case history.
  • Refers or assigns cases to appropriate unit or staff for effective service delivery.
  • Oversees the operation of a psychiatric social work unit.
  • Provides technical guidance to professional and para-professional staff in a psychiatric setting, and monitors subordinates to assure quality level of services.  Trains and orients new staff.
  • Maintains a caseload, providing therapeutic treatment to clients and families.
  • Provides consultation to staff to enable them to intervene in crisis situations or directly handles explosive situations.
  • Assists in analysis of operations, making recommendations with a view to improving division/department policy and procedures.
  • Participates in inter-disciplinary team conferences to formulate or evaluate a treatment plan.
  • Prepares narrative statistical and court reports, if necessary.  May prepare application forms for benefits or services.
  • Provides consultative services to state and private agencies and may participate in community projects.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Psychiatric Social Worker III
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  1. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Behavioral or Social Science or related field.
  2. Three years experience in case management which includes assessing, planning, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating options and services to meet an individuals human service needs. 
  3. Three years experience in providing clinical treatment, counseling or determining eligibility for services or benefits as part of a treatment team.
  4. Six months experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
  5. Six months experience in narrative report writing.

Additional Posting Information

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

Conditions of Hire

Pre-employment Drug Testing:  Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.
Criminal background check:  A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.  The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at statejobs.delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.  The State of Delaware – An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.