Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: S4011 / Counselor/Social Worker,Sr
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 14

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Provides or oversees the provision of a wide range of professional social and/or mental health services which may include: psychosocial evaluations/assessments, interventions, diagnostic, counseling therapy, crisis intervention, and/or case management services in a high-intensity clinical environment which requires a high degree of independent decision-making. Provides clinical supervision, guidance, training, debriefing and leadership to other mental health/health care professionals, students, and interns engaged in related activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Provides or oversees and coordinates the provision of a wide range of professional social and/or mental health services to clients and families. Provides or facilitates crisis intervention and emergency services as required. As appropriate to the position, provides counseling, therapy, and/or psychotherapy, anticipatory guidance, advocacy and case management. May prepare treatment plans, discharge plans, and follow-up care programs.
  2. Identifies patients requiring therapeutic support. Collects patient data through interview, case history, psychological tests, and/or observational techniques; evaluates data to identify causes of problems and to determine proper therapeutic approach or referral to other specialists.
  3. Provides and/or arranges for therapeutic, economic, and social interventions as appropriate to the individual needs of the patient and their caretaker.
  4. Consults with other therapists and related professional and paraprofessional staff in the performance of advocate duties and/or casework; refers patients to appropriate service agencies as required. Follows up to determine effectiveness of interventions used and makes appropriate modifications as indicated.
  5. Facilitates patient and/or family access to appropriate social service agencies for financial assistance and/or other required services.
  6. As appropriate to the position, plans, develops, organizes and facilitates community outreach and education activities, which may include psycho-educational groups for patients. May serve as a liaison and representative to community organizations and schools. May provide formal teaching, consultation, and in-service training to relevant professionals in immediate and proper handling of and/or referral of a variety of matters.
  7. Provides clinical supervision, guidance, training, debriefing and leadership to other mental health/health care professionals, students, and interns engaged in related activities.
  8. Oversees the establishment and maintenance of case files, referrals and other related documents for the treatment of patients, ensuring compliance with established protocols and procedures.
  9. Consults with other legal and treatment agencies and individuals in relation to patient/client records, rights, and responsibilities.
  10. Acts as liaison with other community organizations.
  11. May serve as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.
  12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, or an equivalent field; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or equivalent OR Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or equivalent OR licensure pending, as documented by temporary license.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Knowledge of community mental health resources.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
  • Knowledge of clinical operations and procedures.
  • Ability to independently provide social services and crisis intervention to patients and their caretakers/legal guardian.
  • Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses.
  • Skill in preparing and maintaining patient records.
  • Ability to develop, lead and train staff and/or students.
  • Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
  • Knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to patients' rights.

Distinguishing Characteristics

    Position requires: a) Oversight or provision of intensive, integrated professional mental health services and treatment planning in a clinical and/or outpatient environment; b) provision of professional leadership in the determination of appropriate therapeutic approaches and methods; c) planning and implementing outreach/education programs, workshops, and activities; d) supervising clinical activities of therapists, students, and/or interns within area of specialty; e) establishment and maintenance of case files and related documents for clinical and legal purposes.

Conditions of Employment

  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check when working in a child classroom setting.
  • CPR and Basic First Aid Certificate may be a requirement for some positions in this classification.
  • Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
  • If located at the UNM Children's Campus, successful candidate must pass a comprehensive post-offer, pre-employment criminal and New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) fingerprint background check, and a continued successful status will be verified by periodic future background checks.
  • Must be employment eligible as verified by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Government Services Administration (GSA).
  • May be subject to credentialing process; must maintain credentialed status, if applicable.
  • Must maintain certification status.
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • No or very limited physical effort required unless working in a child classroom setting Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.
  • Standing or walking may occur up to 40% of time when working in a child classroom setting.
  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 09/25/2022