O*NET Career Intelligence

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

SOC 21-1023.00

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.

Zone 5 Community and Social Service

Skills

Knowledge

Job Zone

Green

Top Skills 8

Active Listening

4.4

Speaking

4.2

Social Perceptiveness

4.2

Reading Comprehension

4.0

Critical Thinking

3.9

Monitoring

3.9

Coordination

3.9

Service Orientation

3.9

Knowledge Areas 8

Psychology

4.8

Therapy and Counseling

4.7

Customer and Personal Service

4.4

Sociology and Anthropology

4.3

English Language

4.1

Clerical

3.5

Education and Training

3.4

Computers and Electronics

3.2

Key Tasks

1Counsel clients in individual or group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse.

2Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals.

3Interview clients, review records, conduct assessments, or confer with other professionals to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients.

4Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs.

5Counsel or aid family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting the client or patient.

Also Known As

Addictions Counselor Alcoholism Worker Behavioral Case Manager Behavioral Health Case Manager Case Manager Case Managers Case Therapist Chemical Dependency Counselor Clinical Social Worker Clinical Therapist