Social Services Clinician

Oceans Healthcare; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Haven Behavioral Healthcare is seeking a Social Services Clinician to assess patients, develop treatment plans, and support discharge planning within a multidisciplinary team. You will provide individual, family, and group psychoeducation, document sessions, and maintain compliant care in line with Joint Commission, Federal and State regulations.

The role emphasizes effective communication with treatment teams, families, and community agencies to ensure safe, high-quality care and a smooth

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health-related field is required.
• Master’s degree is preferred but may depend on licensure requirements.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary clinical team is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Complete psychosocial assessments and initial evaluations within required timeframes.
• Develop and update individualized treatment plans with measurable goals.
• Assess risk of harm and communicate concerns to the treatment team.
• Provide age-appropriate group psychoeducation and individual/family sessions.
• Document sessions and plan details per program standards.
• Coordinate discharge planning with families and community resources.

Skills

Psychosocial assessments

Treatment planning

Discharge planning

Team collaboration

Documentation

Communication with families

BLS and de-escalation training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health-related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Haven Behavioral Healthcare, an Oceans Healthcare Company, is a behavioral healthcare system providing high-quality, specialty behavioral health services for individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. Our success is a reflection of the excellence and dedication of our employees at every level of our facilities. The culture of our hospitals is built around service. All jobs performed on our team are worthwhile and every employee makes a difference. If you are looking for an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while delivering compassionate, quality care we encourage you to explore career opportunities with Haven.

The Social Services Clinician is responsible for assessing and evaluating assigned patients, providing individual, family, and group psychoeducation, and serving as the primary contact for treatment and discharge planning. This position supports the therapeutic milieu and daily program schedule, helping maintain a safe and efficient treatment environment in accordance with facility policies and procedures. The Social Services Clinician also communicates effectively with the treatment team to ensure safe, high-quality care for all patients. All duties are performed according to Joint Commission, Federal and State Regulations, and Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures.

Essential Functions

• Complete thorough psychosocial assessments and initial evaluations within required timeframes, including interviews with patients, families/guardians, and natural supports.
• Develop and update individualized treatment plans that include measurable, strengths-based goals consistent with assessed patient needs.
• Assess patients for risk of harm to self or others and communicate concerns promptly to the attending practitioner and treatment team, using required documentation.
• Provide age-appropriate group psychoeducation and related activities.
• Provide individual and family psychoeducation as ordered or indicated, documenting all sessions per program standards.
• Seek clinical supervision and guidance from the clinical supervisor when clinical complications or questions arise.
• Participate as an active member of the multidisciplinary treatment team, contributing to assessments, treatment planning, and discharge planning.
• Serve as the primary point of communication for the treatment team with patients, families, caseworkers, outpatient providers, and other professionals.
• Lead or support discharge planning by identifying barriers early, coordinating with the team, and engaging families and community agencies.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with community agencies and resources relevant to patient care.
• Interact professionally and respectfully with patients, families, team members, and external entities, ensuring the treatment environment supports the program’s mission.
• Communicate treatment scope, limitations, changes in status, and the roles of team members to patients and families; may serve as court liaison when needed.
• Communicate issues requiring follow-up to the Director of Social Services and collaborate with team members to support exemplary treatment and customer service.
• Complete timely, legible, and thorough documentation for assessments, interventions, treatment plans, discharge planning, and incident reports per policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health-related field required; master's degree preferred but not requried depending on state licensure regulations.
• Preference for experience working on a clinical multidisciplinary team. One year of experience in behavioral health, ideally in an acute care or similar setting, with exposure to evidence-based individual, group, and family interventions, preferred.

Skills / Abilities

• Ability to complete psychosocial assessments and identify patient needs.
• Skill in developing and updating individualized, measurable treatment plans.
• Ability to recognize clinical complications and appropriately seek supervision.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills within a multidisciplinary team.
• Effective communication skills with patients, families, and external providers.
• Ability to maintain timely, accurate, and thorough documentation.
• Ability to interact professionally while upholding patient dignity, privacy, and safety.
• Must complete Basic Life Saving (BLS) course and an Oceans approved de-escalation course.

Work Environment

Subject to many interruptions. Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. This position can be high paced and stressful; must be able to cope mentally and physically to atmosphere. Work requires spending approximately 90% or more of the time inside a building that offers protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.