Job Title: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Bethesda, MD
Salary: $45,000 - $55,000/Yr.
SUMMARY
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Mind Body Therapist provides crucial psychosocial and therapeutic support for patients experiencing chronic and acute pain within the National Capital Region Pain Initiative (NCRPI) at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). The LCSW works closely with Wounded Warriors, active-duty military personnel, and their families, offering therapy that combines cognitive behavioral techniques, hypnosis, guided imagery, and stress management interventions. As an integral part of the multidisciplinary team, the LCSW provides both direct and indirect services to inpatients and outpatients, facilitating pain management groups and promoting patient-centered care. The role also involves supporting tele-pain services and leading educational initiatives within the broader NCRPI program.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Psychosocial Assessment and Counseling: Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to determine patient needs, including family and community resources. Provide individual, group, couples, and family counseling to help patients and their families cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of chronic and acute pain.
- Therapeutic Interventions: Develop and lead pain management groups that utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, hypnosis, guided imagery, and stress management techniques. Provide direct psychotherapy services to address patients’ pain-related mental health needs.
- Care Coordination and Discharge Planning: Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop care plans that address both medical and psychosocial needs. Coordinate discharge plans, referrals, and follow-up care, ensuring smooth transitions between healthcare providers and facilities.
- Crisis Intervention: Provide crisis intervention services to patients in acute emotional distress. Quickly assess situations and offer appropriate mental health interventions to stabilize patients.
- Patient and Family Education: Educate patients and their families on coping strategies and self-care techniques to manage pain more effectively. Offer guidance on stress reduction, relaxation techniques, and other mind-body therapies.
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration: Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other members of the pain management team to develop holistic treatment plans. Provide consultation on psychosocial issues and contribute to care planning and decision-making.
- Community Outreach and Resource Management: Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, social service agencies, and other resources to ensure comprehensive patient care. Act as a human services broker to connect patients with necessary resources for optimal care.
- Education and Training: Serve as an instructor for the Annual Pain Care Skills Training and support tele-pain services as part of the NCRPI initiative. Educate hospital staff and providers about mind-body techniques and pain management strategies.
- Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, ensuring that all interactions and treatment plans comply with institutional and regulatory standards.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Expertise in Psychotherapy and Pain Management: Strong background in mind-body therapies, including CBT, guided imagery, and stress management techniques. Experience in working with patients experiencing chronic and acute pain is essential.
- Communication and Counseling Skills: Exceptional communication skills to engage with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members effectively. Adept at providing psychotherapy services in both individual and group settings.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems, and other related software tools
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited program recognized by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Minimum of two years of post-master’s experience as a clinical social worker, with recent experience in pain management or psychotherapy for pain-related conditions.
- Licensed to practice independently as a Clinical Social Worker in the United States, with an unrestricted LCSW license.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), Pain Clinic.
Our Values:
Native American Owned & Proud | Accountable | Team Focused | Innovative | Visionary | Excellence
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Primarily office-based, with extended periods of sitting, data entry, and managing records.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
Full-time, Monday-Friday, 0600-1700. Occasional after-hours work may be required for program-related events or meetings.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Occasional travel for Annual Pain Care Skills Training, which may take place outside the NCR for up to three days
CLEARANCE/LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Must possess a valid, unrestricted LCSW license from a U.S. state or territory. Continuing education units (CEUs) required to maintain licensure.
AAP/EEO Statement
Ho-Chunk, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. However, preference may be extended to persons of Indian descent in accordance with applicable laws.
