2920-Medical Social Worker

Company Description

The deadline for the 2920 Medical Social Worker has been extended. The new deadline is Monday, July 28, 2025 by 11:45pm. Please apply if you are interested in being considered for the Temporary Exempt (TEX) Category 18- Limited two (2) years duration.

Classification: 2920 Medical Social Worker

Status: Full-Time

Appointment Type: Temporary Exempt (TEX)- Category 18 (What does this mean?)

Application Opening: Monday, June 23, 2025

Application Deadline: by 11:45pm on Monday, July 28, 2025

Compensation: $111,436- $135,408/ Annually  

Recruitment ID: RTF0156741-01139755

This is a Temporary Exempt (TEX) Category 18- Limited two (2) years duration

The Public Defender’s Office Civil Mental Health Unit (MHU) provides legal representation to individuals subject to civil and criminal mental health commitments in San Francisco. Each year, the office represents approximately 700 individuals subject to conservatorships under the Lanterman-Petris-Shot Act, 70 individuals committed to the Department of State Hospitals after being adjudicated not guilty by reason of insanity, individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities residing at regional centers, and individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities committed pursuant to W&I 6500. 

Additionally, the MHU represents individuals subject to involuntary psychiatric detention petitions under Cal. W&I Code Sec. 5250, 5270 and involuntary medication petitions filed by hospitals and psychiatric facilities. We are committed to providing zealous advocacy, honoring our clients’ wishes, and preserving patient autonomy.

Job Description

Appointment Type:  Temporary Exempt (TEX) – Category 18 – Limited two (2) years duration

The Medical Social Worker position requires demonstrated commitment to zealously advocating for patients’ rights and respecting patients' autonomy over their medical decisions.  The successful candidate will know the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. The candidate will be required to engage directly with patients with mental health disorders such as, but not limited to, schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, and severe substance dependence, as well as patients diagnosed with developmental disabilities; interview and assess clients to determine if they meet the legal criteria of grave disability; make referrals for outpatient treatment in the community; consult with mental health service providers; interview and gather socioeconomic data from patients, providers, treatment facilities, relatives and acquaintances; collect, review and analyze psychiatric and medical records; assist patients to develop plans for maintaining food, clothing, shelter, medical needs, and personal safety; provide client supportive services; and when required, sworn court testimony.

The position requires traveling to hospitals and treatment facilities in San Francisco and the Greater Bay Area when necessary.

Under supervision, this position in the Public Defender’s Office is responsible for but not limited to:

• Evaluates social, emotional and physical needs of clients by applying social work theories. Helps clients cope with the environmental and psychological issues of illness by explaining options and treatments as well as making appropriate referrals.
• Provides supportive counseling or crisis intervention to clients and/or their significant others, families, or friends or may provide referral services to therapists or mental health providers.
• Interviews clients, their families and significant others to obtain intake information; reviews financial status and screen eligibility for entitlement programs.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary health care teams to treat and plan for the psychosocial and medical needs of patients by consulting with other providers and making referrals. Devises, develops and implements treatment plans as necessary. May make a diagnosis as part of a treatment plan.
• Conducts mandatory reporting activities by completing reports (CPS, APS, elder abuse, and domestic violence reports) in specific timeframes and completing appropriate documents.
• Prepares records to document case activity including pertinent statistical reports, chart notes, correspondence, and other agency forms to monitor and assess client's progress;
• Advocates on behalf of clients with agencies, medical practitioners and within the community.
• Conduct