Psychiatric Social Worker Resume Guide
Psychiatric social workers provide mental health services to individuals, families and communities. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, facilitate support groups and provide counseling. They also work with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care for their patients.
Your experience in mental health and social work makes you an ideal candidate for any psychiatric facility. But they won’t know who you are unless your resume stands out from the crowd. To get noticed, write a remarkable resume that highlights all of your accomplishments.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.
Table of Contents
The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.
Psychiatric Social Worker Resume Sample
Ona Beatty
Psychiatric Social Worker
[email protected]
884-663-0323
linkedin.com/in/ona-beatty
Summary
Reliable, compassionate psychiatric social worker with 10+ years of experience providing mental health services to individuals and families. Skilled in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, crisis intervention, teamwork collaboration and client advocacy. At XYZ Clinic developed a successful support program for clients dealing with addiction issues. Committed to developing positive relationships with patients while ensuring the highest degree of confidentiality at all times.
Experience
Psychiatric Social Worker, Employer A
Columbus, Jan 2018 – Present
- Coordinated and provided crisis intervention services to over 50 individuals experiencing mental health issues each year, successfully managing acute psychiatric crises and decreasing hospitalization rates by 15%.
- Successfully managed a caseload of 20 clients with diverse needs ranging from substance abuse to family conflict; developed tailored treatment plans for every client based on individual requirements and monitored progress closely.
- Prepared detailed reports regarding the emotional state of patients after counseling sessions, demonstrating excellent documentation skills while adhering strictly to HIPAA regulations at all times.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal communication abilities when providing psychotherapy & behavioral interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
- Spearheaded awareness initiatives in local schools and universities intended to educate students about depression, anxiety disorder & other psychological problems; increased student knowledge by 25% within 6 months through these programs.
Psychiatric Social Worker, Employer B
St. Paul, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017
- Referred over 100 patients to community resources, cutting wait times by 15% and improving access to mental health services.
- Streamlined patient referral process across the clinic, enabling quicker response time for urgent cases and reduced paperwork effort by 50%.
- Expedited treatment plans for 250+ clients with comprehensive assessments of their social functioning including housing needs, employment status & financial benefits eligibility; increased successful outcomes rate from 63% to 71%.
- Supported client families in crisis situations through compassionate counseling sessions which improved communication between family members and consequently enhanced overall well-being among participants.
- Competently led group therapy sessions with up to 25 individuals on topics such as self-harm awareness, healthy coping skills development & stress management strategies; raised adherence rate among attendees by 20%.
Skills
- Mental Health
- Crisis Intervention
- Social Services
- Group Therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Case Management
- Mental Health Counseling
- Adolescents
- Family Therapy
Education
Master of Social Work
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011
Certifications
Certified Clinical Social Worker (CCSW)
National Association of Social
May 2017
1. Summary / Objective
Your resume summary or objective should be a concise overview of your qualifications as a psychiatric social worker. In this section, you can mention the number of years’ experience you have in the field, any special certifications or awards that make you stand out from other applicants, and how your skills have helped past clients improve their mental health. This is also an opportunity to highlight any unique approaches or techniques that set you apart from other professionals in the field.
Below are some resume summary examples:
Hard-working psychiatric social worker with 5+ years of experience providing mental health services to adults and children in various settings. Skilled at developing individualized treatment plans, crisis intervention techniques, and evidence-based interventions for clients experiencing psychological distress. Experienced working on multidisciplinary teams to ensure the best outcomes for clients. Committed to fostering an environment that is conducive for healing and growth.
Determined Psychiatric Social Worker with 8+ years of experience providing a variety of mental health services to individuals and families. Skilled in crisis intervention, assessment, case management, advocacy and psychotherapy. Proven ability to build strong relationships with clients while utilizing evidence-based practices. Seeking an opportunity at ABC Mental Health Services to continue helping those affected by behavioral issues and mental illness.
Passionate psychiatric social worker with 5+ years of experience in providing mental health services to adults and children. Seeking to bring a commitment to evidence-based practice, client advocacy, and compassionate care to ABC Mental Health Services. Adept at utilizing crisis intervention techniques while engaging clients in therapeutic conversations that promote healing. Improved patient satisfaction by 17% during my previous role at XYZ Clinic.
Proficient Psychiatric Social Worker with 8+ years of experience providing mental health services to a diverse client base. Seeking to join ABC Healthcare as the next Mental Health Professional and leverage my interpersonal skills, clinical judgement, and crisis management abilities to provide high-quality care while improving patient outcomes. Key achievements include developing an evidence-based practice that improved patient satisfaction by 25%.
Diligent psychiatric social worker with 10+ years of experience in providing mental health support and crisis intervention to individuals, families, and groups. Highly experienced in assessment techniques for the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. At XYZ Medical Center, provided psychosocial assessments for over 100 patients per week. Committed to helping clients develop healthy coping skills through individualized treatment plans.
Dependable psychiatric social worker with more than 10 years of experience providing mental health services to diverse populations. Skilled in developing and executing treatment plans, leading group therapy sessions, and working collaboratively on multi-disciplinary teams. Proven track record of improving patients’ quality of life by creating supportive environments that foster growth and self-determination.
Talented psychiatric social worker with 8+ years of experience providing high-quality care for patients. Skilled in creating individualized treatment plans and assisting individuals dealing with a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Seeking to leverage clinical expertise to help ABC Health Center’s diverse clientele achieve their therapeutic goals.
Seasoned psychiatric social worker with 10 years of experience providing therapeutic services to individuals and families in a variety of settings. Skilled at developing treatment plans, managing crisis situations, and advocating for the rights of clients. Seeking to apply expertise in clinical interventions to ABC’s innovative mental health program.
2. Experience / Employment
In the experience section, you should list your employment history in reverse chronological order. Stick to bullet points when writing out what you did; this makes it easier for the reader to digest the information quickly.
When describing what you did, make sure to include details and quantifiable results whenever possible. For example, instead of saying “Provided counseling services,” say something like “Counseled 15+ clients per week on a variety of mental health issues using evidence-based therapeutic techniques that resulted in improved client outcomes.”
To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:
- Assessed
- Diagnosed
- Counseled
- Facilitated
- Mediated
- Evaluated
- Collaborated
- Referred
- Supported
- Advocated
- Monitored
- Documented
- Intervened
- Educated
- Coordinated
Other general verbs you can use are:
- Achieved
- Advised
- Compiled
- Demonstrated
- Developed
- Expedited
- Formulated
- Improved
- Introduced
- Mentored
- Optimized
- Participated
- Prepared
- Presented
- Reduced
- Reorganized
- Represented
- Revised
- Spearheaded
- Streamlined
- Structured
- Utilized
Below are some example bullet points:
- Intervened in over 200 cases of mental health issues, providing counseling and psychosocial support to help individuals cope with their trauma and improve overall wellbeing.
- Mediated effective communication between clients, families & other parties involved in the treatment process; reduced unresolved conflicts by 15%.
- Structured individualized plans for each client based on diagnosis results, monitoring progress and adjusting plan accordingly; increased successful outcomes rate by 25%.
- Introduced therapeutic activities such as art therapy or music therapy to boost patient engagement and reduce anxiety levels during the healing process while supporting recovery goals.
- Meticulously documented all interactions with patients, maintaining accurate records that could be used for future reference if needed; improved data accuracy by 10%.
- Evaluated up to 10 patients per day with mental health issues, compiling detailed assessments and developing individualized treatment plans.
- Diligently implemented therapeutic interventions for over 60 clients in the last quarter; achieved an overall clinical success rate of 82%.
- Formulated creative coping strategies for dealing with life challenges which enabled 90% of clients to resolve their psychological distress within 6 weeks.
- Represented client interests in court proceedings; successfully advocated on behalf of 8 individuals resulting in improved legal outcomes and reduced sentences by 20 hours collectively.
- Compiled comprehensive reports on patient progress, presenting findings to medical teams at bi-weekly meetings and helping reduce costs associated with long-term hospital stays by $7000 annually.
- Assessed and evaluated over 150 clients with mental health, substance abuse and social problems to develop effective treatment plans; improved client satisfaction by 32%.
- Effectively counseled families, individuals and groups on topics such as stress management, marital issues, parenting strategies and wellness practices using evidence-based interventions.
- Improved therapeutic outcomes for 90+ patients through the development of individualized goals that focused on personal growth & positive behavior change; reduced crisis incidences by 47%.
- Counseled children in understanding their emotions while providing guidance on how to address them appropriately; increased parent/caregiver involvement in the therapy process among 70% of cases treated.
- Educated community members at workshops regarding available treatments and support services for those suffering from depression or anxiety disorders; received a 10% increase in referrals every month following these events.
- Reorganized the psychiatric social work team’s workflow to improve efficiency, resulting in an average 25% reduction in wait times for patients.
- Facilitated weekly group therapy sessions with up to 10 patients per session and provided individual counseling services on a daily basis; successfully reduced the number of relapses among clients by 45%.
- Optimized treatment plans according to each patient’s needs, allowing them to experience improved outcomes quickly and confidently address their mental health issues over time.
- Reduced client no-show rates from 15% down to 2%, decreasing total healthcare costs by $15K annually while ensuring that those most in need received quality care at all times.
- Confidently handled complex cases involving individuals suffering from severe depression or anxiety disorders, accurately assessing their condition and providing appropriate interventions as needed for successful recovery.
- Mentored and provided guidance and support to over 50 patients dealing with mental health issues, helping them to improve their coping skills and overcome daily challenges.
- Monitored patient behaviors, changes in symptoms and medication adherence of up to 25 clients; identified potential safety risks/concerns for at-risk individuals promptly.
- Developed individualized care plans based on each patient’s needs while maintaining a strong focus on recovery goals; reduced readmission rates by 10%.
- Utilized evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, family systems theory & crisis management techniques when treating clients with psychiatric disorders or substance abuse issues.
- Accurately documented all sessions along with progress notes regarding treatment plans & assessments in medical records system within 24 hours after meeting the client; maintained confidentiality at all times per HIPAA guidelines.
- Achieved a 20% reduction in behavioral issues among clients using evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.
- Advocated for the well-being of vulnerable populations by providing services to over 300 individuals with mental health concerns and substance use disorders each month.
- Collaborated closely with multi-disciplinary teams across five psychiatric wards to develop treatment plans tailored to meet the individual needs of patients suffering from depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and other disorders.
- Substantially improved communication strategies between healthcare providers, social workers and family members through regular seminars & workshops; resulting in a 60% increase in patient satisfaction scores year over year since implementation.
- Revised organizational protocols related to documentation standards while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations such as HIPAA guidelines; reducing errors by 40%.
- Participated in the development of individualized treatment plans for over 50 clients, assessing their psychosocial needs and creating comprehensive care strategies.
- Documented relevant patient information in medical records with accuracy; improved data entry process resulting in a reduction of filing time by 25%.
- Diagnosed mental health issues utilizing advanced assessment tools such as DSM-5 criteria and ICD-10 codes to develop accurate diagnoses and create effective interventions.
- Presented case management services to local community organizations, providing education on key topics such as family dynamics, substance abuse & domestic violence prevention; successfully increased awareness among 150+ participants in 6 months.
- Resourcefully developed client referral systems across multiple agencies to ensure timely access to appropriate resources that matched each patient’s unique needs; reduced wait times by 15% within one year of implementation.
3. Skills
The skillset employers require in an employee will likely vary, either slightly or significantly; skimming through their job adverts is the best way to determine what each is looking for. One organization may be looking for someone with experience in working with children, while another may want a psychiatric social worker who specializes in elderly care.
It is important to tailor the skills section of your resume accordingly because many employers use applicant tracking systems that scan resumes for certain keywords and phrases before passing them on to human recruiters.
In this section, you should list all relevant qualifications and experiences as well as any specialties or certifications you have acquired over the years. Additionally, it can also help if you elaborate further on some of these skills/qualifications elsewhere in your resume (such as the summary or work history sections).
Below is a list of common skills & terms:
- Adolescents
- Anger Management
- Behavioral Health
- CBT
- Case Management
- Child Development
- Child Welfare
- Clinical Research
- Clinical Supervision
- Counseling Psychology
- Crisis Intervention
- DBT
- Dual Diagnosis
- Family Therapy
- Fundraising
- Grant Writing
- Group Therapy
- Healthcare
- Individual Counselling
- Interventions
- Medical Social Work
- Mental Health
- Mental Health Counseling
- Motivational Interviewing
- Nonprofits
- Play Therapy
- Post Traumatic Stress
- Program Development
- Program Evaluation
- Psychology
- Psychosocial
- Psychotherapy
- Social Services
- Teaching
- Therapists
- Treatment
- Volunteer Management
- Working With Adolescents
4. Education
Including an education section on your resume is highly recommended if you are applying for a psychiatric social worker role. Your educational background will demonstrate to employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for the job.
If an education section is included, be sure to mention any courses or subjects related specifically to psychiatric social work that you studied in college, such as psychology, counseling techniques, mental health diagnoses and treatments, etc.
Master of Social Work
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011
5. Certifications
Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your expertise in a certain field. They prove that you have been tested by an authoritative body and are proficient in the skill set required for the job.
When applying for jobs, be sure to include any certifications relevant to the position on your resume. This will show potential employers that you possess the necessary qualifications and knowledge needed for success in their organization.
Certified Clinical Social Worker (CCSW)
National Association of Social
May 2017
6. Contact Info
Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.
You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.
Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Ona Beatty, this would be Ona-Beatty-resume.pdf or Ona-Beatty-resume.docx.
7. Cover Letter
Writing a cover letter is an important part of any job application process. It is a great way to introduce yourself and your qualifications, as well as explain why you are the best candidate for the role.
Cover letters should be composed of 2 to 4 paragraphs that provide more detail than what is included in your resume. They allow you to highlight key skills, experiences and accomplishments that make you stand out from other applicants. Additionally, they give recruiters insight into who you are on a personal level and demonstrate how passionate about the position you really are!
Below is an example cover letter:
Dear Mertie,
I am writing to apply for the position of Psychiatric Social Worker at XYZ Hospital. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience working in inpatient psychiatric settings. In my current role, I provide individual, group, and family therapy to patients with mental illness. I also collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team to develop treatment plans and coordinate care.
My experience has taught me how to effectively assess and treat patients with mental illness. I have gained expertise in using evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. I am also skilled at providing crisis intervention and supporting patients through difficult life transitions.
I believe that my skills and experience would be a valuable addition to your team. I am passionate about helping people recover from mental illness and improve their quality of life. I am confident that I could make a positive contribution toXYZ Hospital’s mission of providing high-quality patient care.
Thank you for your time and consideration, Aaron! If you have any questions or would like additional information please do not hesitate contact me at [email address] or by phone at 555-555-5555 extension 555). Thank you again for your time!
Sincerely,
Ona