Social Worker I

Ocean view psychiatric hospital•Long Beach, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Social Workers at Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility provide vital psychosocial support to adult patients in an acute behavioral health setting. Working under the supervision of the Director of Social Services and Social Worker Leads, Social Workers are responsible for conducting psychosocial assessments, facilitating therapeutic groups, supporting discharge planning, and coordinating care with both internal teams and external agencies such as Adult Protective Services and County Behavioral Health. This role focuses on direct clinical services without supervisory responsibilities. Social Workers participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning and respond to psychiatric crises by providing immediate clinical support and appropriate intervention. Success in this role requires strong clinical judgment, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex patient needs within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related behavioral health field from an accredited college or university
Minimum of two (2) years of direct service experience working with acute behavioral health in an inpatient hospital setting (internship or practicum hours may be considered)
Knowledge of psychiatric and medical terminology, psychopharmacology, and behavioral health treatment principles
Ability to assess mental status and psychosocial needs of adult psychiatric patients through direct observation and interaction
Demonstrated ability to remain calm, composed, and effective in high-stress or crisis situations.
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills across disciplines and departments.
Demonstrated sound professional judgment; clinical judgment where applicable to licensure/role.
Proficiency in the use of computers and standard keyboard functions for data entry and electronic documentation
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to read, write, and communicate fluently in English
Current CPR, BLS, and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment
Demonstrate understanding and be compliant with Patients' Rights, LPS Statutes, and Seclusion and Restraint Protocols.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish or other languages commonly spoken by the patient population
Familiarity with trauma-informed care, discharge planning, and community-based mental health resources
Prior experience using Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems for documentation and coordination of care
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams) and/or cloud-based communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Zoom)
Bilingual in English and Spanish, or other languages commonly spoken by the patient population
Crisis prevention/intervention training (e.g., HWC, CPI, PMAB) or de-escalation certification
Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles and culturally responsive practices
Leadership experience or demonstrated capacity to mentor others (if applicable to the role)

Responsibilities

Conduct psychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment goals in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team
Provide individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches tailored to patient needs
Coordinate discharge planning, including linkage to outpatient services, housing, conservatorship, and community-based supports
Facilitate crisis interventions and provide clinical support during psychiatric emergencies or emotional distress
Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., nursing, medical, admissions) and external agencies (e.g., APS, County Behavioral Health) to support patient care coordination
Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning meetings and ensure timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR)
Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of patient progress, treatment interventions, and discharge planning activities
Support compliance with facility policies and regulatory standards through accurate recordkeeping and adherence to clinical protocols
While primarily assigned to the inpatient unit, may be required to support the Structured Outpatient Services Program (IOP/PHP) based on census fluctuations and departmental needs
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Social Services or facility leadership
Demonstrate understanding and be compliant with Patients' Rights, LPS Statutes, and Seclusion and Restraint Protocols.