BSW Salem State Project

SOCIAL WORKERS IN ADDICTION FIELDAriel ChristopherColin H. Blanchard

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social

Workers

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.

SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE ADDICTION FIELD

Job Requirements• Education: Most of these occupations require some form of

graduate degree Master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

• 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 training5 Top Skills

5 Top Abilities

Job Titles

SKILLS AND ABILITIES OF ADDICTION SOCIAL WORKERS

5 Top SkillsActive 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.

Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively. Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people

5 Top AbilitiesOral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. 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 there is a problem. Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand

SAMPLE JOB TITLESMental Health Social Worker

Social Work Job Titles in Addiction

Addiction Counselor

Behavioral Health Case Manager

Case Manager Case Therapist Chemical Dependency Counselor

Crisis Intervention Counselor

Crisis Worker Direct Service Provider

Drug Abuse Social Worker

Family Advocate Clinical Therapist

Clinician Community Mental Health Worker

Community Support Worker

Counselor

Social Work Job Titles in Addiction Mental Health Case Manager

Mental Health Therapist

Outpatient Therapist

Probation Officer Psychiatric Social Worker Group Home Counselor

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Licensed Social Worker

Marriage and Family Social Worker

Residential Case Manager

Substance Abuse Clinician

Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance Abuse Services Director

Therapist

SOCIAL WORK JOB TASKSAddictions

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Assess Record Monitor Evaluate

Counsel clients in individual or group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse.

Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals.

Maintain client records. Interview clients, review records, conduct assessments, or confer with other professionals to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients.

Educate Lead Assist Research

Educate clients or community members about mental or physical illness, abuse, medication, or available community resources.

Lead classes or community events. Assist clients in adhering to treatment plans, such as setting up

appointments, arranging for transportation to appointments, or providing support.

Increase social work knowledge by reviewing current literature, conducting social research, or attending seminars, training workshops, or classes.

Research social issues. Maintain professional social services knowledge.

Interview Collaborate Counsel

Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress.

Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs.

Counsel or aid family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting the client or patient.

Plan Supervise Develop

Plan or conduct programs to prevent substance abuse, combat social problems, or improve health or counseling services in community.

Supervise or direct other workers who provide services to clients or patients.

Develop or advise on social policy or assist in community development.

Advise others on social or educational issues.

WORK ACTIVITIES & LEVEL OF IMPORTANCESocial work activities and duties

Work Activities & ImportanceAssisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Work Activities & ImportanceResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work

Work Activities & ImportanceEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Work Activities & ImportanceMonitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

US BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS• The US Bureau of Labor Statistics

(BLS) projects faster-than-average job growth for addiction social workers, with a 31% increase in employment by 2022. 

• One main reason for the growth in this field is that the Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2010. The ACA mandates insurance providers cover treatment for mental health issues.

US BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS• Experts predict an influx in the number of individuals seeking work in the mental healthcare and social work fields.

• This may be due to the shift in how the justice department handles offenders. Rather than jail time for abuse and addiction-related offences, many offenders are now receiving treatment-oriented sentences.  The BLS projects that between 2012 and 2022, approximately 30,000 new social worker and counselor jobs will be added to meet the demand.

LABOR STATISTICS

MEDIAN ANNUAL PAY Social workers get paid a median annual wage

of only $44,200, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), but often put in more than 60 hours of work a week. They work during the week, at nights, and on weekends.

There are more than 600,000 of them across the United States, and that number is expected to grow at a rate of about 19 percent over the next 10 years – a rate that is far faster than average.

They are one of the least recognized professions, yet they connect populations most in need with the services that will help them change their lives – and in some cases, save their lives.

CAROL WATSON LICSWCarol worked in addictions and mental health for 10 years prior to teaching; five years of her practice was dedicated to working with pregnant women dependent upon opiates.

Says Watson: “People are often confused about the role of a social worker, but social workers are some of the most well-prepared practitioners in our community. Social workers are trained to understand the full range of bio-psycho-social and cultural factors that impact an individual’s wellbeing as well as the impact of the environment and barriers to sustainable client change.”

CONNECTING with CLIENTS & MULTIPLE BARRIERS to TREATMENT

WAYS TO CONNECT W CLIENT An addicted person, or one new to recovery,

may connect with a social worker in any number of settings, including a hospital, clinic, government services agency, school, mental health clinic, or in private practice

No matter the forum, depending upon the specific needs of the client, the experience with that social worker will be unique and personal.

There are almost no limits to what a social worker can do to help patients grow strong in recovery

In some situations, it can be difficult to deal with the red tape and legal restrictions

INDIVIDUALS MEET MULTIPLE BARRIERS Watson: “Because social work is a

broad profession, there are multiple opportunities for social work practitioners to engage with clients and begin the process of rapport building and resource connection.

Most individuals seeking treatment for addiction are met with multiple barriers; these include distrust from family and helping professionals, as well as stigma and social policies that are often geared towards punishment rather than treatment.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH“Community outreach social workers are in a unique position to engage with potential clients by developing a relationship built on the core value of the dignity and worth of all people. The client may not be ready for change, but acknowledging that and listening for ‘change talk’ can open the door for later opportunities. In addition to an open door, social workers have the opportunity and ethical responsibility to educate clients on proper prevention techniques and prevent further harm to clients and the community. This may include overdose prevention, resources on safer drug use, and disease prevention.”

SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDERAs defined in the DSM-5

1. A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading top significant impairment or distress.

2. The presence of two or more of the following symptoms within a 12-month period:a) Substance is often taken in larger

amounts or over a longer period of time than intended

b) Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to reduce or control substance use

c) Excessive time spent trying to obtain, use, or recover from the effects of substance

d) Failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home as a result of recurrent substance use

e) Continued use of substance despite persistent social or interpersonal problems caused by it

f) Cessation or reduction of important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use

g) Recurrent substance use in situations where use poses physical hazards

h) Continued substance use despite awareness that it is causing or exacerbating a physical or psychological problem

i) Tolerance effectsj) Withdrawal reactionsk) Craving or strong desire or urge to

use a substance

SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER – DSM 5

Substance Abuse Disorder (SAD) is defined in the DSM 5 as follows:

Psychotropic medications are used to treat possible underlying conditions

Many with S.A.D. use substances to self-medicate for emerging mental illnesses

Medications such as Naltrexone can be used to reduce cravings by stripping the receptors in the brain that the substances use to elicit feelings of pleasure in the

user Individual therapy and/or group

therapy allow the user to explore the reasons for their substance use, connect their behaviors with consequences, and devise new means of coping with stressors

Commonly used techniques are cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing

TREATEMENT TECHNIQUESSuccessful treatment of S.A.D. generally consists of psychiatric and talk therapy components

The cognitive aspect of CBT asks participants to identify and alter maladaptive assumptions in their worldview

For example: those with depression may assume that nobody can stand them. CBT would ask them why they

thought that was the case, allowing the client to see that there is no reason for making the assumption

The behavioral aspect of CBT would ask participants to try new and different behaviors in an effort to disprove their faulty assumptions

For example: the client who believes nobody can stand them may be asked to carry on a conversation with a stranger, and then report how it went to the therapist

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

Dialectical behavioral therapy is commonly used when dealing with clients who engage in behavior that is self-destructive

Clients are given tools to hone their mindfulness regarding their own thoughts and behaviors

Instead of fighting the maladaptive thoughts or urges, the client is instead asked to evaluate them, and to recognize them as unhelpful

They can then practice emotional self-regulation, allowing the thoughts and urges to leave their mind without being acted upon

DIALECTICAL BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

Typically used for clients engaged in addictive, high-risk, or criminal behaviors

Motivational interviewing begins by unearthing and highlighting the strengths of the individual

Extolling strengths empowers the client to be in control of their own life

The client is then presented with a potential goal, as well as different means to pursue this goal

Together, the interviewer and the interviewee devise a plan to proceed towards the chosen goal

All of this is done in an empathetic, non-judgmental atmosphere

MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING

THE MANY DIRECTIONS OF SOCIAL WORK

Social workers trained in addictions provide a number services, such as:

Case management Group and individual therapy Individual and family counseling Sex addiction counseling Gambling addiction counseling Advocacy for jobs Assistance with housing needs Community development and awareness Education Policymaking

Addiction social workers work as part of

a team with other trained professionals principally certified alcohol and drug

counselors sex addiction counselors, physicians and nurses, or other healthcare

workers.

 It should be noted that most states require

alcohol and drug certification in order to gain

employment in specialized addiction

References

Editor. "Addiction Social Worker Outlook and Career Guidance." Substance Abuse Social Work

Careers | CareersinPsychology.org. Careers in Psychology.org, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

Reardon, Christina, MSW, LSW. "Motivational Interviewing and Addictions: Collaboration, Not

Confrontation." Social Work Today 15.6 (n.d.): 22. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

Ricchutio, A. D., D.D. MSW. "Yoga as Adjunct Therapy for Substance Use." Social Work Today

Sept. 2012: 8. Print.

Rubin, J., MSW. (n.d.). Addictions Advisor: A New, Integrative Approach to Curb Addiction.

Social Work Today, 15(4), 8. Retrieved November 15, 2016, from

www.socialworktoday/com.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: Job Description. (n.d.). Retrieved

November 15, 2016, from http://www.myplan.com/careers/mental-health-and-substance-

abuse-social-workers/description-21-1023.00.html