Lead Clinical Social Worker - Adult Outpatient Psychiatry

The Lead Clincian is a licensed clincian that has demonstrated expertise in the assessment and treatment of
patients in an outpatient psychiatric practice setting and is responsible for the day to day
operations for a particular program/location. The Lead Clinician possesses clinical leadership abilities and is
knowledgeable and skillful in communication and provides direect services to patients and families in the Yale New
Haven Hospital network. The scope of practice includes but is not limited to diagnostic assessment, coordination of
care, practice improvement, staff supervision, counseling, psychotherapy, brief treatment, behavior modification,
teaching and mental health consultation. The Lead Clinician will report to the Manager, Psychiatric Ambulatory
Services and work collaboratively with members of the health care team.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran.

1. Clinical Practice
Ensure all referrals, intakes, admissions, groups and other direct patient services are approriately
managed each day. Demonstrate initiative and leadership in providing services that respond to patient
care demands.
1 1. Consistently identify practice based performance improvement opportunities and make
recommendations to manager.
1 2. Use expert clinical decision making and advanced practice skills to provide, guide, direct and evaluate
patient care.
1 3.
1 4. Participate in the orientation and training of new staff.
Provide peer mentoring to staff and students as designated by the department and required by licensing
law of CT and college student internship programs. Provide peer support for staff in cluster and/or
assigned service area.
1 5. Coordinate team/cluster activities and mobilize individualized resources identified on the treatment plan
to insure optimal patient care.
1 6. Provide direct and indirect care in the area of specialization to patients, families, and groups throughout
the continuum of care.
1 7.
2. Direct Patient Care
Complete comprehensive bio-psychosocial assessments and treatment plans that are responsive to
identified patient popluation.
2 1. Assess patients on admission using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders
(DSM V); assess bio-psychosocial functioning, disability and impairment for the identified populations.
2 2. As appropriate, incorporate the assessment and intervention of the interdisciplinary staff and record
these on the interdisciplinary treatment plan; revise and/or update the interdisciplinary treatment plan to
reflect changes in status and/or plan as indicated.

2 3. Develop an effective working relationship with patient/family to engage, collaborate, advocate and
problem solve in order to enhance their functioning.
2 4. Monitor patient/family progress toward goal achievement with staff, facilitating changes as necessary.
As appropriate, begin disposition planning at admission and execute and/or participate in the discharge
plan as indicated on the plan of care.
2 5. As appropriate, initiate and maintain contact with managed care representatives as needed to obtain
pre-certification and concurrent review insuring reimbursement for services.
2 6. Maintain an up-to-date, accurate and appropriate record of social work activities in patients' medical
record that recognizes patient confidentiality.
2 7. All patient care responsibilities will be performed consistent with age-specific criteria.
3. Consultation/Teaching
Provide information, consultation and professional support to interdisciplinary team members. Oversee
non-clinical staff.
3 1. Use teaching and learning theories and principles to foster the educational development of staff , trainees
and self.
3 2.
3 3. Consult with members of the interdisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive plan of care.
Identify education needs of patients and families and collaborates with members of the health care team
to meet these needs.
3 4.
3 5. As appropriate, provide patient/family teaching according to the plan of care.
Provide written and verbal consultation to outside collateral including, but not limited to DCF, school
systems, the court systems, juvenile justice systems, outpatient providers and facilities.
3 6.
3 7. Use principles of communication in providing consultation.
4. Accountability
Ensure that the daily operations of the site / program are facilatated in accordance with YNHH policies
and procedures, maintaining a safe and healing environment for patients.
4 1. Ensure smooth patient flow that meets the needs of the patients and provides care in the less restrictive
environment
4 2.
4 3. Track data elements that have been identified and report to manager in designed manner.
Accountable for the following hospital and procedures, Professional Code of ethics, and any other
hospital, government and/or regulatory policies, rules or regulations. Any additional responsibilities as
delegated by supervisor.
4 4. Fulfill professional role through participation in professional organizations, community activities and
presentations on the local, regional, or national level

EDUCATION:
Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited program.

EXPERIENCE :
Three years post licensure experience in a psychiatric or substance abuse treatment setting; at least one year in a
leadership or supervisory role.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:
Licensure Social Work from the State of Connecticut.

LCSW required.