Clinical Social Worker

The Clinical Social Worker provides therapeutic services to individuals, families, and groups, addressing emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges. Working within a healthcare, mental health, or community-based setting, the Clinical Social Worker conducts assessments, diagnoses mental health conditions, and develops treatment plans. They utilize various therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and crisis intervention, to help clients manage and overcome psychological, emotional, or social difficulties.

1. Clinical Assessment and Evaluation:

• Conduct thorough biopsychosocial assessments for patients to understand their mental, emotional, and social needs.
• Evaluate the effects of mental health, physical health, and social factors on the patient’s overall well-being and ability to cope.
• Assess the impact of illness or injury on the patient’s family, financial status, and social environment.
• Administer and interpret relevant psychological screening tools and inventories to aid diagnosis and treatment planning.

2. Psychosocial Support and Counselling:

• Provide one-on-one counselling to patients to help them cope with personal difficulties, emotional challenges, or adjustment disorders related to illness, trauma, or hospitalization.
• Offer therapeutic interventions to individuals dealing with grief, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and trauma.
• Lead or facilitate therapeutic groups such as support groups for chronic illness, cancer, or mental health recovery.
• Offer guidance and emotional support for patients and their families during stressful situations like hospitalization, diagnosis, and end-of-life issues.

3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Case Management:

• Collaborate with the medical team, including physicians, nurses, psychologists, and other health professionals, to create holistic treatment plans for patients.
• Provide relevant psychosocial information to the team during case conferences and multidisciplinary meetings.
• Regularly assess patient progress and provide feedback to the healthcare team to ensure treatment goals are being met.
• Ensure continuity of care for patients by following up on treatment plans and coordinating with external providers and community resources as needed.

4. Treatment Planning and Goal Setting:

• Develop comprehensive, patient-centred treatment plans, in collaboration with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
• Establish clear, measurable short- and long-term treatment goals, focusing on improving the patient’s psychological and emotional health.
• Adjust treatment plans as necessary to reflect progress, challenges, and changes in patient circumstances.
• Empower patients to set personal goals for mental health and well-being, encouraging self-care and resilience.

5. Advocacy and Resource Coordination:

• Act as an advocate for patients, helping them navigate the healthcare system and access necessary community resources and services.
• Guide patients and families through insurance processes, financial assistance programs, and social welfare resources.
• Assist with social services such as housing, legal assistance, vocational rehabilitation, and educational resources, especially for patients dealing with long-term or chronic health conditions.
• Provide referrals to external agencies and community resources when necessary, ensuring patients have access to appropriate social and community support networks.

6. Crisis Intervention:

• Provide immediate intervention for patients in crisis, offering emotional and psychological support in urgent situations such as acute trauma, suicidal ideation, or significant emotional distress.
• Implement safety plans for patients experiencing severe mental health crises, ensuring their safety and the safety of others.
• Act as a key member of the hospital’s crisis response team, collaborating with other professionals to de-escalate critical situations.

7. Education and Awareness:

• Provide psychoeducation to patients and families on mental health issues, coping strategies, stress management, and recovery processes.
• Offer educational workshops and training sessions on social work-related topics, such as grief management, family dynamics, and effective communication.
• Raise awareness about mental health issues and social services through informational materials, programs, and outreach efforts.

8. Documentation and Compliance:

• Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date patient records in accordance with healthcare facility standards, confidentiality laws, and UAE Department of Health (DOH) regulations.
• Document case notes, treatment plans, progress reports, and referrals in a timely and organized manner.
• Ensure all records comply with the Data Protection laws of the UAE and other applicable healthcare regulations.
• Adhere to all internal and external policies, including ethical guidelines, legal frameworks, and the DOH standards.

9. Professional Development and Continuing Education:

• Participate in ongoing professional development activities, such as training, workshops, and conferences, to stay up to date with advancements in clinical social work practices and mental health care.
• Engage in regular supervision and peer review sessions to enhance clinical skills, receive feedback, and ensure best practices are followed.
• Maintain current knowledge of the latest clinical tools, therapeutic modalities, and research relevant to social work and healthcare.

• BSC in Social work / master’s degree in social work
• Two (2) years of experience post qualification in a related field.