Job Description Templates
  • Search
  • Menu Menu

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

CrowdSourceLawyers.com

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

Sample of reported job titles: Case Manager, Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Therapist, Clinician, Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Mental Health Therapist, Social Worker, Substance Abuse Counselor, Therapist

View report: Summary  Details  Custom  My Next MoveEasy Read  My Next Move for VeteransVeterans  Mi Próximo PasoEspañol

Tasks  |  Technology Skills  |  Tools Used  |  Knowledge  |  Skills  |  Abilities  |  Work Activities  |  Detailed Work Activities  |  Work Context  |  Job Zone  |  Education  |  Credentials  |  Interests  |  Work Styles  |  Work Values  |  Related Occupations  |  Wages & Employment  |  Job Openings  |  Additional Information

Tasks

Show fewer All 12 displayed
  • Counsel clients in individual or group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Interview clients, review records, conduct assessments, or confer with other professionals to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Supervise or direct other workers who provide services to clients or patients.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Modify treatment plans according to changes in client status.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Assist clients in adhering to treatment plans, such as setting up appointments, arranging for transportation to appointments, or providing support.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Educate clients or community members about mental or physical illness, abuse, medication, or available community resources.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Counsel or aid family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting the client or patient.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Increase social work knowledge by reviewing current literature, conducting social research, or attending seminars, training workshops, or classes.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Refer patient, client, or family to community resources for housing or treatment to assist in recovery from mental or physical illness, following through to ensure service efficacy.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Plan or conduct programs to prevent substance abuse, combat social problems, or improve health or counseling services in community.See more occupations related to this task.

Find occupations related to multiple tasks

back to top

CrowdSourceLawyers.com

https://crowdsourcelawyers.com/job-description-templates/

Technology Skills

Show fewer All 12 displayed     Show 3 tools used
  • Calendar and scheduling software — Scheduling softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Cloud-based data access and sharing software — Microsoft SharePoint Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Data base user interface and query software — Database software Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Desktop publishing software — Adobe Systems Adobe PageMaker; Microsoft PublisherSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Document management software — Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Electronic mail software — Email software; Microsoft Outlook Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Internet browser software — Microsoft Internet Explorer; Netscape Navigator; Web browser softwareSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Medical software — Client records software; Medical condition coding software Hot technology ; Medical procedure coding software; Patient electronic medical record EMR software (see all 7 examples)See more occupations related to this technology.
  • Office suite software — Corel WordPerfect; Microsoft Office Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Presentation software — Information presentation software; Microsoft PowerPoint Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Word processing software — Microsoft Word Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

back to top

CrowdSourceLawyers.com

https://crowdsourcelawyers.com/job-description-templates/

Knowledge

Show fewer All 10 displayed
  • Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Philosophy and Theology — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.See more occupations related to this knowledge.

back to top

CrowdSourceLawyers.com

https://crowdsourcelawyers.com/job-description-templates/

Skills

Show all 5 of 19 displayed
  • Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.See more occupations related to this skill.

back to top

Abilities

Show fewer All 16 displayed
  • Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.See more occupations related to this ability.

back to top

Work Activities

Show fewer All 28 displayed
  • Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.See more occupations related to this activity.

back to top

Detailed Work Activities

Show fewer All 17 displayed
  • Counsel clients or patients regarding personal issues.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Counsel clients or patients with substance abuse issues.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Collaborate with other professionals to assess client needs or plan treatments.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Maintain client records.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Monitor clients to evaluate treatment progress.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Collect information about clients.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Supervise workers providing client or patient services.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Modify treatment plans to accommodate client needs.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Assist clients in handling details of daily life.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Counsel family members of clients or patients.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Lead classes or community events.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Conduct research on social issues.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Maintain professional social services knowledge.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Refer clients to community or social service programs.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Plan programs to address community health issues.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Advise others on social or educational issues.See more occupations related to this activity.

Find occupations related to multiple detailed work activities

back to top

Work Context

Show fewer All 22 displayed
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 97% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Electronic Mail — 89% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Contact With Others — 84% responded “Constant contact with others.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Telephone — 80% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 81% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 57% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Time Pressure — 57% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 46% responded “A lot of freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 42% responded “A lot of freedom.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Spend Time Sitting — 51% responded “More than half the time.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 44% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Deal With External Customers — 40% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Coordinate or Lead Others — 32% responded “Extremely important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 50% responded “Very important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Frequency of Decision Making — 39% responded “Every day.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Duration of Typical Work Week — 72% responded “40 hours.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Frequency of Conflict Situations — 36% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 36% responded “Important results.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 31% responded “Important.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Physical Proximity — 39% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Letters and Memos — 34% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Deal With Physically Aggressive People — 41% responded “Once a month or more but not every week.”See more occupations related to this work context.

back to top

Job Zone

Title Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master’s degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Related Experience Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Job Training Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Job Zone Examples These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, neurologists, and veterinarians.
SVP Range (8.0 and above)

back to top

Education


Percentage of Respondents
Education Level Required
77   Master’s degree
19   Bachelor’s degree
4   Post-master’s certificate

Help

back to top

Credentials

Find Training Find Certifications Find Licenses Apprenticeship.gov

back to top

Interests

Show fewer All 3 displayed

Interest code: SIA   Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.

  • Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.See more occupations related to this interest.
  • Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.See more occupations related to this interest.
  • Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.See more occupations related to this interest.

back to top

Work Styles

Show fewer All 16 displayed
  • Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Independence — Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.See more occupations related to this work style.

back to top

Work Values

Show fewer All 3 displayed
  • Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.See more occupations related to this work value.

back to top

Related Occupations

Show fewer All 10 displayed
19-3033.00 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Bright Outlook
21-1011.00 Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors Bright Outlook
21-1012.00 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Bright Outlook
21-1013.00 Marriage and Family Therapists Bright Outlook
21-1014.00 Mental Health Counselors Bright Outlook
21-1015.00 Rehabilitation Counselors Bright Outlook
21-1021.00 Child, Family, and School Social Workers Bright Outlook
21-1022.00 Healthcare Social Workers   Bright Outlook Bright Outlook
21-1092.00 Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
25-1066.00 Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary Bright Outlook

back to top

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2020) $23.42 hourly, $48,720 annual
State wages
 
Local wages
  
Employment (2020) 124,000 employees
Projected growth (2020-2030) Faster than average (10% to 15%) Faster than average (10% to 15%)
Projected job openings (2020-2030) 14,000
State trends
 
Top industries (2020)
Health Care and Social Assistance
Government

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data external site and 2020-2030 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

back to top

Job Openings on the Web

Find Jobs

back to top

Sources of Additional Information

Show fewer All 15 displayed

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy external site
  • American Association of Pastoral Counselors external site
  • American Counseling Association external site
  • American Group Psychotherapy Association external site
  • American Psychological Association external site
  • Association for Addiction Professionals external site
  • Association for Community Organization and Social Administration external site
  • Association for Play Therapy external site
  • Association of Social Work Boards external site
  • Council on Social Work Education external site
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness external site
  • National Association of Social Workers external site
  • National Board for Certified Counselors external site
  • National Head Start Association external site
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook: Social workers external site

back to top


This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

© Copyright | CrowdSourceLawyers
Scroll to top