Psychiatric Social Worker (PSW)
せいしんいりょうソーシャルワーカー
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A specialist profession that targets patients and their families in the psychiatric field, provides consultation and support utilizing social resources, and supports post-discharge life and social reintegration.
Description
Psychiatric Social Workers (PSW) work in psychiatric hospitals and regional life support bases for people with mental disabilities, where they assess the social and environmental problems faced by patients and their families, and plan and implement support plans aimed at living, employment, and social participation. As members of multidisciplinary teams, they collaborate with physicians, nurses, clinical psychologists, and others to provide discharge support, community transitions, welfare system utilization support, family interviews, self-help group facilitation support, and coordination with related organizations. They leverage specialized knowledge of public systems and regional resources to promote the social independence of clients.
Future Outlook
Demand remains stable due to population aging and the promotion of community transitions in psychiatric care. There is increasing demand for personnel with multidisciplinary collaboration skills and regional resource utilization skills.
Personality Traits
Able to Respond Flexibly / Has Cooperativeness / Has Empathy / Has Patience / Has Problem Awareness
Work Style
Community Comprehensive Support Center / Day Shifts Only / Hospital Employment / Shift Work / Visiting Support
Career Path
New PSW → PSW (Psychiatric Social Worker) → PSW Leader/Chief → Social Work Department Manager → Community Comprehensive Support Center Staff → Hospital Welfare Department Executive
Required Skills
Assessment Techniques / Case Management / Consultation and Assistance Techniques / Related Organization Collaboration Skills / Support Plan Creation
Recommended Skills
Crisis Response Skills / Family Support Techniques / Knowledge of Systems Such as the Comprehensive Support Law for Persons with Disabilities / Psychology Basics / Regional Resource Network Building
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Because it is necessary to respond to sudden changes in mental states and support environments. |
| Communication Skills | Because smooth communication with patients and related organizations is necessary. |
| Planning & Organization | To formulate and coordinate plans for discharge support and multidisciplinary collaboration. |
| Problem Solving | To consider flexible and precise support measures for the challenges of individual patients. |
| Stress Tolerance | Because there are many high-stress situations when dealing with patients with mental disorders. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | To collaborate with doctors, nurses, and other professions. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Almost no need for specialized mathematical analysis. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Mainly indoor work, so the physical burden is relatively low. |
Related Qualifications
- Certified Psychiatric Social Worker
- Certified Social Worker
Aliases
- PSW
- Psychiatric Social Worker
Related Jobs
- Certified Psychiatric Social Worker
- Clinical Psychologist
- Medical Social Worker
- Psychiatric Nurse
- Social Worker