Professional Social Service Worker – Georgia Department of Behavioral Health

About the role

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is seeking a qualified Professional Social Service Worker to provide psycho‑social support to patients and families at the Georgia Regional Hospital in Decatur. This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals coping with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses and developmental disabilities.

Key responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to patients and families.
• Educate patients, advise caregivers, and make referrals to additional social services.
• Act as client advocate to coordinate required services and resolve crises.
• Identify environmental barriers to patient progress through interviews and record review.
• Monitor, evaluate, and document client progress against treatment goals.
• Organize support groups and counsel family members.
• Conduct clinical assessments of behavioral health needs.
• Deliver case management services and train direct‑care staff on behavior‑modification techniques.
• Refer clients to community resources such as financial assistance, legal aid, housing, and job placement.

Required profile

• MSW, LMSW, or LCSW credential.
• Willingness to work varied shifts, including weekends.
• Knowledge of diagnostic impressions or criteria.
• Understanding of client advocacy systems and crisis‑intervention techniques.
• Familiarity with individual and group therapy methods and therapeutic models.

Required skills

• Knowledge of diagnostic impressions or criteria.
• Knowledge of client advocacy system operations.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
• Knowledge of individual and group therapy techniques.
• Knowledge of therapeutic models and interventions relevant to behavioral health.

What we offer

• Robust benefits package for all career stages.
• Competitive hourly wage ranging from $32 to $40.
• Opportunity to serve the community and impact lives across Georgia.