Psychiatric Social Worker II

Salary Range: $6,077.36-$8,304.80 monthly

SUMMARY

The Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR) within the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services is seeking a skilled and experienced Psychiatric Social Worker II to join its ODR Navigation Team.

The ODR Navigation Team provides crisis support, coordination, and clinical expertise to community providers serving individuals with histories of homelessness, severe and persistent mental illness, and justice involvement.

This position plays a critical role in supporting ODR clients who are diverted from Los Angeles County jails into community-based services.

The Navigation Team receives client referrals from the ODR programs and takes a proactive approach to stabilizing clients at risk of mental health decompensation.

If necessary, the team may assess for and support the mental health hospitalization of clients meeting criteria for a mental health hold.

The PSW II will work collaboratively with contracted community agencies to prevent crisis, stabilize clients during periods of acute risk, ensure continuity of care, and help individuals progress toward long-term stability and permanent supportive housing.

Currently, ODR has a hybrid work schedule with a combination of workdays in the office, in the field and remote.

This may change at discretion of DHS.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Crisis Response & Clinical Intervention


* Provide real-time and ongoing clinical consultation and crisis support to community providers working with ODR clients.


* Assess and write 5150 applications, when appropriate.


* Conduct in-person, field-based clinical crisis assessments for clients at risk of psychiatric destabilization, harm to self or others, grave disability, or loss of housing or services.


* Utilize clinical de-escalation strategies, harm reduction, and trauma-informed approaches to stabilize clients experiencing acute symptoms.


* Engage in field-based clinical interventions as needed, including coordinating or directly facilitating involuntary or voluntary psychiatric hospitalizations.

One form of intervention, as appropriate, may include a team-based hands-on approach to assisting a client onto a gurney as part of an involuntary hospitalization.


* Consult on complex cases with an interdisciplinary team, recommend clinical interventions, and ensure clients receive the appropriate level of care based on acuity.


* Coordinate with hospitals, law enforcement, and partner agencies to support safe and effective crisis response and transitions of care.


* Assist with client transport during crisis situations when clinically appropriate, following DHS and program safety protocols.


* Conduct psychosocial and acute risk assessments, diagnostic evaluations, and crisis evaluations in accordance with County and DHS standards.


* Gather clinical client background information including hospitalizations, county episodes, incarcerations, and collateral contact reports.


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