# Tasks & work activities — clinical social worker

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 21-1014.00 (Mental Health Counselors).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
- **[Core]** Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.
- **[Core]** Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems.
- **[Core]** Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.
- **[Core]** Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
- **[Core]** Collect information about clients through interviews, observation, or tests.
- **[Core]** Act as client advocates to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- **[Core]** Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.
- **[Core]** Evaluate clients' physical or mental condition, based on review of client information.
- **[Core]** Meet with families, probation officers, police, or other interested parties to exchange necessary information during the treatment process.
- **[Core]** Refer patients, clients, or family members to community resources or to specialists as necessary.
- **[Core]** Counsel family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting clients or patients.
- **[Core]** Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs on clients' progress in resolving identified problems and moving towards defined objectives.
- **[Core]** Plan, organize, or lead structured programs of counseling, work, study, recreation, or social activities for clients.
- **[Core]** Modify treatment activities or approaches as needed to comply with changes in clients' status.
- **[Core]** Learn about new developments in counseling by reading professional literature, attending courses and seminars, or establishing and maintaining contact with other social service agencies.
- **[Core]** Discuss with individual patients their plans for life after leaving therapy.
- **[Core]** Gather information about community mental health needs or resources that could be used in conjunction with therapy.
- **[Core]** Monitor clients' use of medications.
- **[Core]** Plan or conduct programs to prevent substance abuse or improve community health or counseling services.
- **[Core]** Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.
- **[Core]** Fill out and maintain client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes.
- **[Core]** Supervise other counselors, social service staff, assistants, or graduate students.
- **[Core]** Coordinate or direct employee workshops, courses, or training about mental health issues.
- **[Core]** Perform crisis interventions with clients.
- **[Core]** Perform crisis interventions to help ensure the safety of the patients and others.
- **[Core]** Collaborate with mental health professionals and other staff members to perform clinical assessments or develop treatment plans.

## Detailed work activities

- Advocate for individual or community needs.
- Collaborate with other professionals to assess client needs or plan treatments.
- Collect information about clients.
- Collect information about community health needs.
- Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
- Complete documentation required by programs or regulations.
- Confer with family members to discuss client treatment plans or progress.
- Counsel clients or patients regarding personal issues.
- Counsel clients or patients with substance abuse issues.
- Counsel family members of clients or patients.
- Develop health assessment methods or programs.
- Develop treatment plans for patients or clients.
- Develop working relationships with others to facilitate program activities.
- Evaluate characteristics of individuals to determine needs or eligibility.
- Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or educational programs.
- Intervene in crisis situations to assist clients.
- Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress.
- Lead classes or community events.
- Maintain client information or service records.
- Maintain client records.
- Maintain professional social services knowledge.
- Modify treatment plans to accommodate client needs.
- Monitor clients to evaluate treatment progress.
- Plan programs to address community health issues.
- Plan programs to address community mental wellness needs.
- Provide basic health care services.
- Provide first aid or rescue assistance in emergencies.
- Refer clients to community or social service programs.
- Respond to emergencies to provide assistance.
- Supervise workers providing client or patient services.
- Teach life skills or strategies to clients or their families.
- Train staff members in social services skills.
- Write reports or evaluations.