Licensed Master Social Worker

Job Title: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) 

Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho

Reports To: Clinical Director / Program Director

FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time with Benefits

Salary Range: $46-$50 per hour (DOE) + potential bonus

JOB SUMMARY

The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) provides direct behavioral health services to adolescents in a residential treatment setting in accordance with Idaho Medicaid (IDHW) behavioral health guidelines, medical necessity criteria, and best practice standards.

Working under the supervision of an independently licensed clinician, the LMSW will deliver individual, group, and family therapeutic services; assist with clinical assessments and treatment planning; support crisis intervention efforts; and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to promote stabilization, skill development, and successful transitions to lower levels of care.

This position offers a unique opportunity for LMSWs seeking supervised clinical experience and advancement toward independent LCSW licensure. Clinical supervision is provided by an Idaho-licensed LCSW and Psychologist, allowing eligible clinicians to accrue supervised clinical hours toward Idaho LCSW licensure requirements while developing expertise in adolescent residential behavioral health treatment. The LMSW works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure services are trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and compliant with Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW), Medicaid, and accreditation requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include, but are not limited to:

Clinical Services & Documentation

1. Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and gather clinical information to support diagnosis and treatment planning under clinical supervision.
2. Assist in developing, implementing, and updating individualized, person-centered treatment plans that meet Idaho Medicaid medical necessity criteria and include measurable goals, objectives, and interventions.
3. Provide individual, group, and family therapy services consistent with evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, including CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and skill-building interventions.
4. Complete progress notes, treatment plan reviews, discharge summaries, and clinical documentation in accordance with Idaho Medicaid requirements and agency timelines.
5. Ensure documentation accurately reflects medical necessity, active treatment interventions, client progress, and treatment outcomes.
6. Participate in regular clinical supervision and case consultation as required by state licensing regulations and agency policy.

Care Coordination & Compliance

1. Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and contribute to integrated care planning.
2. Coordinate services with families, guardians, schools, case managers, medical providers, Medicaid partners, and community-based resources.
3. Assist with admission assessments, level-of-care determinations, treatment planning, and discharge planning.
4. Maintain compliance with Idaho Medicaid requirements, IDHW Behavioral Health rules (IDAPA), agency policies, and applicable accreditation standards.
5. Support utilization review processes, authorization requests, continued-stay reviews, and other quality assurance activities.

Crisis Management & Milieu Support

1. Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation using approved trauma-informed techniques while prioritizing safety and stabilization.
2. Assist in maintaining a structured therapeutic milieu that promotes emotional regulation, healthy relationships, accountability, and recovery.
3. Respond appropriately to behavioral health emergencies and high-risk situations according to agency policy and regulatory requirements.
4. Collaborate with residential staff to support treatment goals and reinforce therapeutic interventions throughout the client's daily environment.

Professional Practice

1. Adhere to NASW Code of Ethics, professional standards of practice, and HIPAA confidentiality requirements.
2. Maintain current knowledge of Idaho Medicaid service requirements, behavioral health regulations, and evidence-based treatment practices.
3. Participate in clinical supervision, continuing education, agency training, and professional development opportunities.
4. Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and program development efforts.
5. Promote a culture of recovery, resilience, accountability, and wellness consistent with the organization's mission and values.
6. Work toward achieving independent clinical licensure (LCSW) through participation in supervision and professional growth opportunities provided by the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education/Experience

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited college or university required
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in behavioral health, adolescent services, residential treatment, community mental health, school-based services, or related settings preferred.
• Experience with Medicaid-funded behavioral health services preferred.
• Experience working with adolescents and families strongly preferred.

2. Licenses/Certifications

• Active Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) license in the State of Idaho required.
• Must meet qualifications as a Qualified Behavioral Health Professional (QBHP) under Idaho Medicaid guidelines.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

3. Clinical & Cultural Competencies

• Knowledge of behavioral health assessment, treatment planning, and case management principles.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care, adolescent development, and family systems approaches.
• Ability to provide evidence-based interventions within LMSW scope of practice.
• Skilled in crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, and therapeutic communication.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary treatment teams.
• Commitment to culturally responsive and person-centered care.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & LICENSURE SUPPORT

The organization is committed to supporting clinicians in their professional growth and advancement. Benefits include:

• Clinical supervision provided by an Idaho-licensed LCSW.
• Opportunity to accrue supervised clinical hours toward Idaho 100 hour LCSW licensure requirements.
• Ongoing mentorship and case consultation.
• Training in evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and adolescent behavioral health treatment.
• Opportunities for continuing education and career advancement within the organization.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Residential behavioral health setting serving adolescents with mental health and/or co-occurring disorders.
• Fast-paced, team-oriented environment requiring flexibility, collaboration, and responsiveness.
• Regular interaction with youth experiencing significant emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric challenges.
• Ability to safely manage emotionally intense situations and behavioral crises.
• Occasional evening or weekend responsibilities may be required based on program needs.