Social Worker I

Job Description

Social Worker - Inpatient

Department: Social Services

Per Diem Schedule: Weekdays, Weekends, and Holiday availability

Shift Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Position Summary

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.

Key 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.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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)

Benefits

Supportive, team-oriented work environment

Opportunities for professional growth, training, and advancement within the organization

Physical & Mental Requirements

Independent body mobility to frequently stand, walk long distance corridors, descend and the ability to bend, stoop and sit for a prolonged time.

May require significant strength and alertness in a crisis to apply non-violent crisis intervention to containment techniques, or to provide CPR.

Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Ability to safely assist with the physical management, lifting, or repositioning of adult patients, including those who may be physically resistive or assaultive, potentially weighing 100 pounds or more, in accordance with facility safety protocols and training.

Manual dexterity to reach, grasp, manipulate small objects, and precision instruments to give injections, take pulse and blood pressure; manual dexterity to hand write or use computer keyboard; sufficient vision to read gauges, thermometers, calibrated measuring instruments, labels on medications, and a computer screen; hear and speak well enough to communicate with patients at normal conversation level in person and over the phone.

May require fit testing for N95 respirator/facemask.

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.

Environmental Requirements

Depending on assignment of position may be required to work in a locked unit with juveniles, formerly incarcerated, and individuals assigned to guardianship who have complex social, and psycho-social needs; may be assigned to evening or night shift, assigned to work weekends, and to work holidays as needed as Ocean View is a 24-hour, 7 day a week facility and coverage is essential; environment can be noisy and sporadically chaotic, and may be exposed to hostile patients and profanity.

Special Conditions

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of Live Scan fingerprinting, background check clearance, and verification of required licenses, certifications, and education

Satisfactory completion of professional reference checks

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; Ocean View does not provide visa sponsorship for certain roles unless otherwise specified

Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), The Joint Commission, and HIPAA standards

Compliance with all required health screenings and immunizations in accordance with regulatory guidelines and facility policy, which may include tuberculosis (TB) testing, N95 fit testing, annual trainings, and proof of vaccination for certain communicable diseases

Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or variable shifts as needed, based on operational or patient care needs