Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

SUMMARY

Work directly with the New Mexico Army National Guard (NMARNG) and the Office of the State Surgeon (OTSS) to manage behavioral health caseloads alongside the Behavioral Health Officer (BHO), aligning with the OTSS's objectives. Facilitate preventive, remedial, and support services to optimize psychological health and readiness of National Guard (NG) military members and their families.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work directly with the BHO and OTSS leadership and Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to receive direction, goals, and objectives for management of soldier care.
• Meet weekly with the OTSS/COR to report on readiness performance measures, caseloads and to report acute or critical cases. Cases are to be closed as appropriate in a timely manner once resources have been provided.
• Assess clients to understand the severity of their substance use and any co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Provide resources for return to duty and coordination and implementation of BH programs and processes encompassing outreach and education, population health surveillance, command consultation, screening and evaluation, crisis intervention, physical profiling, treatment referral networks, case management efforts, and quality assurance.
• Deployment readiness and waiver management and specialty training for Guardsmen on issues related to the psychological health and resiliency.
• Conduct clinical screening, evaluation, and referral for services that will maximize return to duty.
• Apply professional knowledge of the principles, theories, procedures, and practices of social work to clinical duties in accordance with applicable DoD guidelines.
• Conduct mental health screening and risk assessment and makes administrative recommendations for Positions of Significant Trust and Authority (POSTA).
• Conduct annual BH screenings to determine medical readiness.
• Conduct pre-mobilization and post-mobilization screenings.
• Provide BH guidance and consultation to soldiers, leaders, and military/community partners.
• Complete comprehensive assessments under guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association.
• Facilitate comprehensive needs assessment including biopsychosocial history as needed.
• Use and interpret various psychological assessment measures.
• Prepare written evaluation reports with clinical impressions.
• Determine readiness and completes profiles in accordance with Army Regulation 40-501.
• Provide timely and succinct feedback to other medical providers and service member's commander regarding assessment findings and recommendations.
• Advise command how to best support the soldier's BH treatment plan to optimize treatment and return to duty.
• Utilize in-house program such as family readiness program, financial counselor, and integrated prevention programs. Cases are to be opened for Guardsmen as indicated and closed in a timely manner when service member is stable and has been referred for resources.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum three (3) years of equivalent Case Management and/or Care Coordination experience with acute and chronic behavioral health conditions.
• A master's in social work from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education is required.
• Expertise as dictated by the Clinical Licensing Board and the application of substantial specialized knowledge and shall have a degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Experience working with clients with substance use disorders.
• Shall possess specialized knowledge and understanding of psychological and emotional factors, physiological issues, diagnostic criteria, legal considerations, and co-occurrence of mental health disorders and substance use.
• Must obtain and maintain any necessary security access and/or background checks.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Demonstrated ability to behave in a professional manner with a focus on Soldier care, integrating effectively with Readiness NCOs, Commanders, 1SGs, and Soldiers.
• Experience in working as a team to build connections, develop relationships, and coordinate care with Soldiers and leaders, ensuring adequate follow-up as needed.
• Dedication to fostering a positive work environment, going above and beyond standard expectations to accomplish the mission and provide exceptional care for Soldiers.
• Strong background in substance abuse disorder management with experience with military populations