Position Description

TITLE

Licensed Social Worker

TYPE(FLSA)

Independent Contractor

PAYROLL STATUS

1099- Independent Contractor

SCHEDULE

Monday- Saturday (Minimum thirty-hour work week commitment)

One Saturday per month requirement for Organization All Contractor Meeting

DIVISION

Clinical

LOCATION

Paterson, New Jersey

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT

Travel Required: Varies, not to exceed 5% of total weekly hours when applicable; use of a personal vehicle required

REPORTS TO

Clinical Director

DIRECT REPORTS

None

Legacy Statement

Joyce Lopez & Associates, LLC. Your Life Change is an organization comprised of professional counselors, social workers, psychologists and support specialists dedicated to ensuring our clients are empowered to cope effectively with life’s adversities. We have a belief that continuous process improvement, an entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to learning are vital to the success of this Organization.  Our goal is to enhance our client’s ability to lead productive balanced and happy lives.

 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

• Private practice experience highly desired
• Ability to identify local community resources for individuals experiencing mental health crises (in-patient care), homelessness and/or low income
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks without losing productivity. 
• Function efficiently in a collaborative team environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources
• Proficient in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for a work atmosphere that is very busy and highly unstructured
• Possess a high level of tolerance for individuals who present seeking services with urgent multiple needs, issues and problematic behavioral characteristics
• A commitment to continuous professional growth by actively participating and attending trainings as they become available (DMH trainings and other sources) that introduce different interventions that prove to be an effective strategy to successful treatment and intervention training and consultation to team on substance abuse issues.
• Attend and participate in organization meetings and other aspects of the day-to-day operations as directed
• Desire to advocate on behalf of individuals and/or families to help them obtain and keep health care benefits, entitlements, etc.
• Willingness and confidence to integrate cutting-edge technology into all aspects of care provided
• Willingness and motivation to become licensed in other states as needed
• Ability to empathetically connect to Conduct Initial Meeting Assessment for each client accessing services to build rapport and relationship while evaluating the consumer’s mental health needs, history, barriers, and available services and support
• Ability to demonstrate a non-judgmental attitude when engaging with individuals experiencing crises
• Desire to work with individuals, adolescents or families experiencing trauma
• Must be flexible and demonstrate ability to adapt and thrive in fast-paced and challenging environments.

• Effective time management skills though a demonstrated ability to prioritize roles, tasks, and deliverables
• Attention to detail when completing documentation and administrative tasks 
• Solution oriented using creative problem-solving skills

POSITION REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFIC DUTIES 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must have proficient basic English writing skills
• Proficient basic computer skills and be highly organized 
• Ability to maintain consistent in-person attendance
• Passion for providing mental health services and support using behavioral health Best Practices
• Work collaboratively within an integrated remote team to provide linkage, and at a minimum referrals  to; outreach, community-based case management, housing, and primary care services to individuals experiencing mental health events.
• Refers and links members to community substance abuse resources as appropriate (i.e., detox, medical care, sober living homes or a treatment facilities).  Acts as liaison between the Joyce Lopez & Associates, LLC clinical team and community substance abuse treatment facilities.
• Clinical competence in evidence-based practices (CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, etc.)
• Knowledge of current research to integrate into your practice
• Assist clients with developing and maintaining a personal and sustainable goals as documented in the Treatment Plan
• Prioritize client Treatment Plans and determine level of contact, coordination, and care needed for each
• Follow up with each Client as needed to ensure they are making progress with referrals to meet the overall individual goals 
• Complete all documentation that is needed for the client’s file and uploaded into the system at the end of each session
• Develop and engage clients in a concrete and tailored Treatment Planning to address intervention and service needs
• Facilitate the process of connecting clients to the appropriate community resources that will support the goal of long-term support (e.g. benefits advocacy, food pantries, employment services, support groups)

• Available to assist when clients are experiencing an immediate need, crisis, or emergency (e.g. child abuse reporting, assessing for suicidal or homicidal risks or threats, etc.) 
• Document all client interactions through the Case Notes using clinical documentation and HIPAA standards, while maintaining timely, thorough, and accurate records for reporting purposes in iCAN Notes database
• Adhere to Data and Compliance procedures regarding directives that include maintaining complete client files and submissions
• Must know or very quickly become knowledgeable of the characteristics of individuals who are substance abusing and/or dually diagnosed, and have knowledge of local services available for dually diagnosed individuals
• Complete assessments regarding substance abuse/use status. Develop appropriate plan of care and relevant interventions
• Assist in the collection of health information.
• Provide health education, resources, liaison by referring to community health providers that can provide counseling on specific health issues
• Build collaborative partnerships with existing and new community resources and providers for expedited linkage and support purposes
• Must be able to provide all services either via in-office Telehealth or In-Person
• Read, perform research, attend classes, workshops or seminars and participate in other professional development activities in order to maintain and enhance personal and professional skills
• Complete all documentation and maintain all paperwork and other required documentation as required for compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and organizational procedural requirements
• Provide linkage support, coaching, counseling, feedback and positive reinforcement for  in areas clients such as physical health care, money management, grooming and hygiene, meal preparation, public transportation and other independent living skills
• Make independent assessments to identify individual needs as necessary and initiate communication and collaboration within the clinical team and with referral sources to provide the resources to meet those needs

• Utilize evidence-based practices in service delivery such as motivational interviewing, harm reduction, supported employment and education, intensive case management, housing first, and critical time intervention
• Must be flexible and demonstrate ability to adapt and thrive in fast-paced and challenging environments. Navigators are required to work across a variety of office and field settings (motels, shelters, etc.) 
• Knowledge of case management services and clinical approaches of Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Harm Reduction Models are required
• Write complete Case Notes and chart in electronic data entry and documentation database
• Ability to assess and seek consultation through regular Treatment Plan Conferencing and Case Presentations with Clinical Director
• Attend weekly meetings with clinical director
• Excellent advocacy skills
• Self-starting entrepreneurial spirit
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team or independently 
• Knowledge of psychiatry and/or psychology principles
• Ability to consistently meet identified administrative deadlines and program deliverables
• Additional tasks, projects, and responsibilities as assigned by Clinical Director

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bi- Lingual Fluent English and Spanish
• Provide a copy of active good standing State of New Jersey clinical licensure
• Must provide proof of completed Covid vaccination at time of offer

EXPERIENCE

• 4+ years experience providing clinical psychotherapy to individuals, couples or families preferred
• Licensed Social Work degree

• Licensure in multiple states is highly valued 

• Working with LGBTQ+ demographic, highly preferred

• LADC credential, highly preferred

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field and two (2) years of experience in social services, or an AA Degree in Social Work or a related field and four (4) years of social service experience
• OR
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field and four (4) years of experience in social services, or an AA Degree in Social Work or a related field and six (6) years of social service experience
• OR
• Master’s Degree in Social Work or a related field and one (1) year of social service experience or a bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field and six (6) years of experience in social services
• OR
• Masters Degree in Social Work, counseling, marriage and family therapy or other relevant field and four (4) years of experience in a therapeutic environment

MINIMUM EDUCATION

• Bachelors or better in Social Work or related field.
• OR
• Masters or better in Social Work or related field.

ACCOUNTABILITY & REVIEW

• Quarterly

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, EQUIPMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Contracted Associate to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Contracted Associate may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using substances, and/or not be attentive to personal health and safety for themselves. The Contracted Associate may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with a client’s use of alcohol and drugs, and the lack of personal care. 

The Contracted Associate must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and/or potentially hostile situations. Contracted Associate is required to: Walk and climb stairs; Handle, finger, grasp, and feel objects and equipment; Reach with hands and arms; Communicate, 

receive, and exchange ideas and information by means of the spoken and written word; Be mobile by moving oneself from place to place quickly and easily; Repeat various motions with the wrists, hands, and fingers; Be able to have visual activity for (including, but not limited to) administrative and clerical tasks; Drive personal vehicle in and around Essex County. Be able to enter the office that may require climbing stairs; Be subjected to outside environmental conditions; Use a personal and/or laptop computer, and copy, postage and fax machines. Complete all required forms in personal writing.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you require an accommodation, please make sure to inform the Chief Human Resources & Administration Officer prior to signing the Service Agreement. If an accommodation is not required at the time of Service Agreement execution, but is later required, you must inform the Chief Human Resources & Administration Officer of the need for accommodation at the time it is needed.

EEO

Joyce Lopez & Associates, LLC is committed and proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all Contracted Associates and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.