Mental Health Worker Jobs in New Jersey

Job Summary

Provides psychosocial assessment of behavioral health patients. Provides supportive counseling and education to patients and families. Provides linkage to resources in the community.

Essential Functions

Group Psychotherapy:

• Conducts educational group sessions, displaying good theoretical knowledge of subject matter and effective communication skills in presenting material
• Prepares a group topic that is appropriate based on the patient population

Individual/Family Psychotherapy:

• Provides family sessions, which demonstrate good theoretical knowledge of therapeutic principles
• Makes referrals as appropriate
• Provides ongoing education to patients and families as needed

Abuse Issues:

• Can identify victims of abuse
• Knows the protocol for reporting abuse
• Knows the classes of abuse

Documentation:

• Completes progress notes according to department standard
• Progress notes reflect the patient’s progress towards their short-term goals
• Progress notes are legible

Treatment Plan:

• Assists with the development of individualized treatment plans for each patient
• Treatment plans are written according to policy
• Treatment plan goals are measurable
• Treatment plans are legible

Time Management Skills:

• In periods of increased workload demonstrates an ability to set priorities and optimally uses work time
• Demonstrates an ability to meet deadlines

Psychosocial Assessment:

• Psychosocial Assessments are done according to state/department standards
• Demonstrates good interviewing, diagnostic, and report writing skills

Patient Advocacy:

• Advocates for services assigned patients
• Completes forms to assist the patient with regard to appropriate entitlements

Crisis Management:

• Demonstrates an ability to evaluate a patient in a crisis situation
• Demonstrates knowledge of the warning signs of aggressive behavior

Mental Status Exam:

• Demonstrates an ability to evaluate a patient’s mental status
• Able to use the exam when developing the treatment plan

Telephone Skills:

• Answers the telephone in a professional manner
• Changes message when appropriate (example vacation)

Discharge Planning:

• Participates in the discharge planning process throughout the treatment process
• Involves the family and referral sources when developing the plan

Age Specific:

• Demonstrates an understanding of the developmental stage of life for assigned patients

Trans-cultural Competencies:

• Demonstrates an understanding of different cultures and belief systems
• Able to implement specific interventions for different cultures

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Performs other duties in a timely manner
• Performs duties in a thorough manner

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Education/Certifications

Graduate degree in social work/Sociology, master’s in social work required. Licensure: NJ, LSW or LCSW required.

Minimum Work Experience

One to three years of acute care setting or behavioral health experience preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients and equipment. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 lbs., requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.

Working Conditions

Requires working under stressful conditions and flexible hours. Involves some discretion, independent action, and judgment to decide what to do.