National

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

Sample of reported job titles: Social Worker, Case Manager, Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Therapist, Clinician, Mental Health Therapist, Psychotherapist, Community Support Worker, Counselor, Probation Agent

Tasks

• Counsel clients in individual and group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance abuse, mental and physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse.
• Interview clients, review records, conduct assessments, and confer with other professionals to evaluate the mental or physical condition of client or patient.
• Collaborate with counselors, physicians, and nurses to plan and coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs.
• Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals.
• Educate clients and community members about mental and physical illness, abuse, medication, and available community resources.
• Assist clients in adhering to treatment plans, such as setting up appointments, arranging for transportation to appointments, and providing support.
• Refer patient, client, or family to community resources for housing or treatment to assist in recovery from mental or physical illness, following through to ensure service efficacy.
• Modify treatment plans according to changes in client status.
• Counsel and aid family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting the client or patient.
• Increase social work knowledge by reviewing current literature, conducting social research, and attending seminars, training workshops, or classes.

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Tools & Technology

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