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.
- Tasks
- 13 tasks11 core, 2 supplemental
- Family
- Community & Social ServiceOne of its 18 occupations
- Code
- 21-1023.00SOC 2018: 21-1023
What the work is made of
11 core tasks and 2 supplemental, each quoted as published, with the survey it came from.
Core: central to the jobSupplemental: done by some, not all
- Task 1. Counsel clients in individual or group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse.Core taskTask 273Rated by 69 people who do the job, August 2021
- Task 2. Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs.Core taskTask 275Rated by 69 people who do the job, August 2021
- Task 3. Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals.Core taskTask 276Rated by 69 people who do the job, August 2021
- Task 4. Interview clients, review records, conduct assessments, or confer with other professionals to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients.Core taskTask 18487Rated by 69 people who do the job, August 2021
- Task 5. Supervise or direct other workers who provide services to clients or patients.Core taskTask 281Rated by 69 people who do the job, August 2021
- Task 6. Modify treatment plans according to changes in client status.Core taskTask 279Rated by 69 people who do the job, August 2021
- Task 7. Assist clients in adhering to treatment plans, such as setting up appointments, arranging for transportation to appointments, or providing support.Core taskTask 18489Rated by 69 people who do the job, August 2021
- Task 8. Educate clients or community members about mental or physical illness, abuse, medication, or available community resources.Core taskTask 18488Rated by 69 people who do the job, August 2021
- Task 9. Counsel or aid family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting the client or patient.Core taskTask 278Rated by 69 people who do the job, August 2021
- Task 10. Increase social work knowledge by reviewing current literature, conducting social research, or attending seminars, training workshops, or classes.Core taskTask 18490Rated by 69 people who do the job, August 2021
- Task 11. 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.Core taskTask 277Rated by 69 people who do the job, August 2021
- Task 12. Plan or conduct programs to prevent substance abuse, combat social problems, or improve health or counseling services in community.Supplemental taskTask 280Rated by 69 people who do the job, August 2021
- Task 13. Develop or advise on social policy or assist in community development.Supplemental taskTask 282Rated by 69 people who do the job, August 2021
Where this comes from
Quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor, and credited. Nothing on this page is written by us.
How we copy and credit sources- Published byO*NET 29.0, U.S. Department of LaborEmployment and Training Administration
- ClassificationStandard Occupational Classification 2018, 21-1023
- LicenseCC BY 4.0Free to copy and reuse, with credit
- Changed by usNothing.
More in Community & Social Service
17 other occupations in this family, each with its own page.
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers21 tasks
- Clergy21 tasks
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All OtherNo tasks listed
- Community Health Workers28 tasks
- Counselors, All OtherNo tasks listed
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education19 tasks
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors35 tasks
- Health Education Specialists16 tasks
- Healthcare Social Workers17 tasks
- Marriage and Family Therapists15 tasks
- Mental Health Counselors27 tasks
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists21 tasks
- Rehabilitation Counselors17 tasks
- Religious Workers, All OtherNo tasks listed
- Social and Human Service Assistants19 tasks
- Social Workers, All OtherNo tasks listed
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors23 tasks
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