Social Work Specialist I / Therapist - Iowa CONNECT - Psychiatry
About The Position
The University of Iowa Department of Psychiatry is hiring a Social Work Specialist I / Therapist for Iowa CONNECT, a SAMHSA-funded multidisciplinary program for adolescents and young adults ages 12–25 who may be at clinical high risk for psychosis. The clinician will provide psychiatric assessment, individual psychotherapy, family-focused intervention, consultation, and support for program development and early identification and intervention for emerging psychosis. The position works closely with the Project Director/psychiatrist, therapists, the Community Engagement Manager, the Supported Employment and Education Specialist, trainees, and program staff. Specialized training and ongoing consultation in clinical high-risk-for-psychosis assessment and intervention will be provided. Iowa CONNECT emphasizes early identification, youth- and family-centered care, shared decision-making, culturally responsive and trauma-informed practice, and supporting young people in relationships, education, work, and community life. The clinician will participate in regular case consultation and program meetings and provide care in person and through telehealth. This is a hybrid position within Iowa, with an expectation of at least two days per week in the office. Work arrangements are reviewed annually and must comply with University remote-work and travel policies. The position is classified as Social Work Specialist I, within Psychiatry, and is a specified-term appointment of 12 months with the possibility of extension. The position is listed as 60–100%.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in social work.
- Current Iowa license to practice social work (LMSW or LISW).
- At least one year of experience providing social work services to adolescents and their families.
- At least one year of experience providing individual psychotherapy.
- Experience working collaboratively with families or caregivers.
- Experience conducting clinical assessments and treatment planning.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Current valid driver’s license and ability to meet University Driving Policy Standards.
Nice To Haves
- Two or more years of experience providing individual and family therapy.
- Experience working with young adults.
- Experience providing family therapy or structured family intervention.
- Experience with psychosis, early psychosis, clinical high risk for psychosis, serious mental illness, or coordinated specialty care.
- Experience using CBT or other structured evidence-based interventions.
- Experience conducting diagnostic or structured clinical assessments.
Responsibilities
- Provide individual psychotherapy to adolescents and young adults enrolled in Iowa CONNECT.
- Provide family-focused intervention, psychoeducation, support, and problem-solving with parents, caregivers, and other important supports.
- Conduct diagnostic and clinical assessments and participate in specialized clinical high-risk-for-psychosis assessments, including training in approaches such as the SIPS/Mini-SIPS.
- Assess symptoms, functioning, safety, substance use, family needs, and treatment goals on an ongoing basis.
- Develop individualized treatment plans through shared decision-making with youth and families.
- Provide evidence-informed clinical high-risk-for-psychosis interventions, including CBT-informed approaches, psychoeducation, coping and resiliency strategies, and interventions for co-occurring emotional or behavioral concerns.
- Provide family education about symptoms, treatment, communication, coping, and supporting the young person’s goals.
- Develop collaborative safety and wellness plans when indicated.
- Monitor symptoms and functioning over time and adjust treatment intensity as clinically appropriate.
- Coordinate care with psychiatrists, primary-care clinicians, schools, community therapists, the Supported Employment and Education Specialist, and other providers.
- Work with the Project Director/psychiatrist on assessment, treatment planning, medication-related coordination, safety concerns, and transitions in care.
- Serve as a consistent clinical point of contact for assigned participants and families.
- Support transitions to first-episode psychosis services or other levels of care and help ensure continuity of care.
- Participate in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings, case consultation, supervision, and specialized training.
- Collaborate with the Supported Employment and Education Specialist to integrate school, work, and functional goals into treatment planning.
- Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation.
- Participate in program evaluation, fidelity monitoring, and quality-improvement activities.
Benefits
- Comprehensive employee benefits.
- Retirement options.
- Paid leave.
- Professional-development opportunities.
- Resources and stability of a major academic medical center and public university.
