Social Work Assistant (Caseworker)

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Danville, VA

1d • $60,790 - $83,891 • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Work Assistant (Caseworker) will work at Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute, a 72-bed Joint Commission-accredited state mental health facility in Danville, Virginia. The position supports the State Hospital 30-day Length of Stay pilot initiative by completing casework activities and comprehensive needs assessments related to psychiatric patients’ discharge planning in an inpatient setting.

The Case Manager provides case management, psychosocial assessments, and social work services on the unit, and may serve on department and facility committees. The role coordinates discharge planning for assigned patients in collaboration with the treatment team and Community Services Board staff. The position requires work in a secure, locked environment with individuals experiencing acute symptoms of mental illness and/or additional forensic or legal involvement. A flexible schedule is required. A $5,000 sign-on bonus is offered to those new to State service who agree to a one-year tenure.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) from an accredited school of social work, with casework/group work experience.
• Valid driver’s license that remains valid and in good standing throughout employment.
• Fundamental knowledge of case management principles, practices, services, and techniques.
• Ability to assist in coordinating resources for patients.
• Ability to work at a fast pace with frequent change.
• Ability to interact with professionals from various disciplines.
• Ability to maintain safety precautions.
• Ability to form working relationships with patients and families, determine and select services, and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Ability to provide thorough documentation in an electronic health record.
• Ability to work in a secure and locked environment with individuals experiencing acute symptoms of mental illness and/or additional forensic or legal involvement.
• Successful fingerprint-based criminal history check, drug screen, and reference checks are required for the selected candidate.

Nice To Haves

• Experience collaborating with community social service and behavioral health agencies.
• Experience as a case worker in a psychiatric healthcare facility, acute care, long-term care, or correctional setting.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English.
• Veterans and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Complete casework activities related to the State Hospital 30-day Length of Stay pilot initiative.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments as part of psychiatric patients’ discharge planning.
• Provide case management, psychosocial assessments, and social work services on the unit.
• Coordinate discharge planning needs for assigned patients with the treatment team and Community Services Board staff.
• Assist in coordinating resources and selecting services for patients.
• Maintain thorough documentation in an electronic health record.
• May serve on department and facility committees.
• Maintain safety precautions while working in a secure and locked environment.

Benefits

• $5,000 sign-on bonus for those new to State service who agree to a one-year tenure.
• 13 paid holidays, 12 or more paid vacation days, 8 paid sick days, and 4 or more paid family personal days per year.
• Family Medical Leave.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Low-cost, comprehensive Anthem or AETNA health insurance benefits.
• Group life and optional life insurance.
• Flexible Reimbursement accounts.
• Referral bonuses.
• State employee discounts and other benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level