Social Worker III/Social Svcs Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

12d•$5,747 - $7,254•Onsite

About The Position

The Social Worker III performs and documents highly complex social services work at Austin State Hospital. The role serves as a liaison among patients, legally authorized representatives, involved persons, agencies, and treatment providers to support ongoing care, treatment, and services through person-centered practices. The position assesses patients’ social histories, support systems, and psychosocial, economic, and physical needs; participates in interdisciplinary team meetings; and may assess patient rights and decision-making capacity. The Social Worker III focuses on complex cases and post-discharge placement and support. The position coordinates transfers, furloughs, transitions, and community placement discharges; develops and delivers individual and group trainings on rights, decision-making, person-centered thinking, and self-advocacy; and helps identify resources and service gaps. It works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The role may oversee Social Worker I and II staff and social work students. Other duties may include supporting disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, which could require a different shift or location.

Requirements

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is required.
At least one year of experience working directly with individuals with mental, social, or substance use disorders.
Knowledge of human growth and development; behavioral and mental health; developmental and emotional aspects of physical illness; intellectual and developmental disabilities; social work case management standards; facility and community resources; and social work principles, methods, and theories.
Knowledge of community resources that support discharge of state hospital patients with high or complex needs, and of State Hospital discharge policies and procedures.
Ability to perform job duties in accordance with the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners Code of Conduct, National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, and applicable state and hospital policies and procedures.
Ability to work creatively and collaboratively on behalf of patients discharging from state hospitals.
Effective written and verbal communication skills in individual and group settings.
Skills in interviewing, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, mediation, counseling, information and referral, problem solving, supervision, consultation, and advocacy.
Ability to assign and supervise the work of others.
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and required registry checks.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility; Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be at least 21.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization procedures is required.
Flexibility in work hours may be required, including overtime or extended hours.
Males ages 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

Responsibilities

Interview patients, legally authorized representatives, involved persons, and agencies to create and maintain social histories and assess support systems and psychosocial, economic, and physical needs.
Coordinate communication and information exchange among patients, representatives, involved persons, agencies, facilities, and treatment providers to support ongoing care, treatment, and services; provide required notifications, obtain consents, access resources, and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings as requested.
Counsel and assist patients, legally authorized representatives, and involved persons regarding community placement, living options, end-of-life planning, and rights under applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Oversee transfers, transitions, furloughs, and community placement discharges, coordinating with patients, families or significant others when authorized, courts, local mental health authorities, and providers to support orderly discharge and continued treatment.
Coordinate discharge tours and communications with state and judicial systems, providers, local authorities, and receiving facilities; support obtaining required discharge-planning documents and arrange transfer of transportation, patient information, personal possessions, and medication as applicable.
Design and conduct individual and group trainings that promote patients’ rights, decision-making, person-centered thinking, and self-advocacy; develop and present related curriculum and materials.
Participate in or facilitate discharge program meetings and internal or external work groups, use available resources, and identify potential service gaps.
May assign and oversee the work, time, and travel of Social Worker I and II staff and social work students; may interview and hire staff, train employees, and conduct evaluations and counseling.
Attend work regularly, follow assigned schedules, and perform other duties as assigned, including possible support of disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation.
Maintain social work licensure in accordance with Texas Board of Social Work Examiners requirements.