SOCIAL WORKER SUBSTANCE ABUSE DEFINITION:
Under direction, performs various field and office work involved in aiding substance abusers in rehabilitation programs and assists them with their problems; does related work as required.
NOTE: The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Interviews clients concerning problems of their substance abuse.
Performs background and/or other investigations of clients.
Gathers information regarding existing rehabilitation programs and their availability.
Conducts investigations of clients to establish their eligibility for rehabilitative maintenance.
Explains the program thoroughly including full ramifications of the rehabilitative maintenance program to the client, spouse, and/or other family members.
Conducts special investigations to verify information relating to arrests, parole, probation, welfare, housing, and previous hospitalization and/or treatment.
Conducts family counseling in the areas of employment, education, housing, finances, and related areas.
Contacts and maintains cooperative relationships with private and other public social agencies.
Answers questions on rehabilitation programs.
Conducts field investigations by correspondence, telephone calls, and personal meetings.
Maintains contact with courts about lists of clients who are required to enter rehabilitation programs and refers names of clients who refuse to join the program back to the courts for further action.
Reviews current problems of clients and proposes possible solutions.
Maintains liaison between clients and their rehabilitation counselors.
Refers individual clients to appropriate rehabilitation programs for guidance.
Keeps and maintains essential records and files.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Five (5) years of professional experience in social case work, which shall have involved the responsibility for gathering and analyzing social information from clients, the determination of their needs, and the planning and administration of treatment plans geared toward the needs of individual clients.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of psychological and social problems of chemically dependent persons.
Knowledge of the methods used to gather and analyze information.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of the principle of social work.
Knowledge of the public and private resources providing rehabilitation to substance abusers.
Knowledge of the signs and symptoms of addiction.
Ability to analyze laws, rules, regulations, and procedures and apply them to individual cases.
Ability to evaluate and analyze case records.
Ability to organize assigned social work and develop effective work methods.
Ability to evaluate and assess the needs and problems of clients.
Ability to work harmoniously with associates, families, individuals, and social organizations.
Ability to evaluate clients' progress.
Ability to gather and evaluate factual information.
Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to maintain essential records and files.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
