Performs responsible professional psychiatric social work with mentally and emotionally disturbed patients or inmates in institution.

Performs responsible psychiatric social work in a mental hospital, juvenile training school, or correctional institution; provides casework and group work treatment for patients;

Prepares socio psychiatric case histories for diagnosis and treatment purposes;

Participates in diagnostic formulations; assists medical staff in evaluating patient's readiness for release;

Counsels patients, relatives, employers, and others on matters related to patient's welfare; evaluates and makes recommendations regarding foster homes;

Explains social aspects of mental health to relatives, interested persons, and community agencies;

Conducts individual and group interviews; evaluates patient's behavior to insure community protection;

Prepares verbal and written reports;

Participates in meetings, committees, and conferences;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: principles, practices, and techniques of social work; principles and characteristics of mental and emotional illness; current social and economic problems; interviewing techniques; individual and group behavior.

Ability to: conduct therapeutic group and individual interviews; work cooperatively with professional and non professional staff; speak and write clearly and effectively.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

1.  A Master's degree from an approved school of social work. 

AND 

2.  One year of experience in counseling mentally or emotionally disturbed individuals or one year of professional casework experience. 

Note: A degree in Social Work must be from an educational program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Revises minimum qualifications October 16, 1975.
New class code: (formerly 35520) effective July 1, 2007.
Revises desirable qualifications, effective December 23, 2011.
Salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2015, effective 7/1/2015.
Base range salary adjustment adopted 6/30/2017, effective 7/1/2017.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.