Social Worker, Psychiatric Unit, Washington DC

As a Social Worker working in the Psychiatric Unit of the Children's Hospital in Washington, DC, you will be an integral part of the multidisciplinary team providing comprehensive mental health care to children and adolescents facing emotional and behavioral challenges. Your primary role will be to provide psychosocial support, assessment, and interventions to patients and their families, working collaboratively with medical staff and other mental health professionals.

Responsibilities:
1. Psychosocial Assessment: Conduct thorough psychosocial assessments of patients and families, including emotional, social, and environmental factors impacting their mental health. Identify strengths, coping mechanisms, and areas requiring intervention.

2. Treatment Planning: Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, aligning interventions with patients' specific mental health needs and goals.

3. Counseling and Therapy: Provide individual and family counseling to patients and their families, utilizing evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address emotional and behavioral challenges.

4. Crisis Intervention: Offer immediate crisis intervention and support to patients and families experiencing acute emotional distress or psychiatric emergencies.

5. Patient and Family Education: Educate patients and families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and available community resources to enhance coping skills and promote recovery.

6. Discharge Planning: Collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure a smooth transition for patients to appropriate levels of care or community resources upon discharge.

7. Advocacy: Advocate for the rights and needs of patients and families within the hospital system and within the community, facilitating access to services and support.

8. Collaborative Teamwork: Participate actively in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and treatment planning sessions to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.

9. Documentation: Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, including progress notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries, adhering to hospital and legal guidelines.

10. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest developments in pediatric mental health, evidence-based practices, and treatment modalities through professional development activities and training.

As a Social Worker in the Psychiatric Unit, you will work in a fast-paced and dynamic healthcare environment, providing direct support to children and families facing mental health challenges. The role is M-F 8:00-4:30.

Joining as a Psychiatric Unit Social Worker provides a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young patients and their families, contributing to the improvement of mental health services for children in the region.