Occupation AtlasMental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
O*NET · 21-1023.00
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
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.
56 more
Behavioral Health Social Worker · Behavioral Health Utilization Management Rep · Behavioral Health Utilization Management Representative (Behavioral Health Utilization Management Rep) · Behavioral Health Worker · Behavioral Technician · BHC · BHC (Behavioral Health Consultant) · BHCM · Case Manager · Case Therapist · Chemical Dependency Counselor · Clinical Social Worker · Clinical Therapist · Clinician · Community Mental Health Social Worker · Community Mental Health Worker · Community Support Worker · Counselor · Crisis Intervention Counselor · Crisis Intervention Specialist · Crisis Worker · Direct Care Counselor · Direct Service Provider · Drug Abuse Social Worker · Drug Abuse Worker · Group Home Counselor · LBHC · LBHC (Licensed Behavioral Health Clinician) · LCSW · Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) · Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP) · Licensed Social Worker · LMHP · LTSS Service Coordinator · LTSS Service Coordinator (Long Term Services and Supports Service Coordinator) · LTTS Service Clinician · LTTS Service Clinician (Long Term Services and Supports Service Clinician) · Mental Health Case Manager · Mental Health Clinician · Mental Health Practitioner · Mental Health Professional · Mental Health Social Worker · Mental Health Therapist · Mental Health Worker · Outpatient Clinician · Outpatient Therapist · Psychiatric Social Worker · Psychotherapist Social Worker · QMHP · Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) · Residential Case Manager · Social Worker · Substance Abuse Clinician · Substance Abuse Specialist · Therapist · Treatment Coordinator
Compare with another occupationCompare with Healthcare Social Workers
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SICSocial · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social6.97
- I Investigative4.08
- C Conventional3.12
- A Artistic2.78
- E Enterprising2.46
- R Realistic1.71
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (23%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (48%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (37%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 6 looks like: Counsel patients who are depressed during a crisis period
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- MonitoringbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Service OrientationImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- CoordinationImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- PersuasionImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- WritingbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
Show the other 23
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- NegotiationImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Time ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- InstructingImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- SciencebasicImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- ProgrammingImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
11 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Counsel clients in individual or group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse.Importance 4.5
- Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs.Importance 4.4
- Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals.Importance 4.4
- Interview clients, review records, conduct assessments, or confer with other professionals to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients.Importance 4.3
- Modify treatment plans according to changes in client status.Importance 4.2
- Supervise or direct other workers who provide services to clients or patients.Importance 4.2
- Educate clients or community members about mental or physical illness, abuse, medication, or available community resources.Importance 4.0
- Assist clients in adhering to treatment plans, such as setting up appointments, arranging for transportation to appointments, or providing support.Importance 4.0
- Counsel or aid family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting the client or patient.Importance 3.9
- Refer patient, client, or family to community resources for housing or treatment to assist in recovery from mental or physical illness, following through to ensure service efficacy.Importance 3.7
- Increase social work knowledge by reviewing current literature, conducting social research, or attending seminars, training workshops, or classes.Importance 3.7
Show the other 2
- Plan or conduct programs to prevent substance abuse, combat social problems, or improve health or counseling services in community.Importance 3.6
- Develop or advise on social policy or assist in community development.Importance 2.9
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 4.8Level 6.6Level 7 looks like: Counsel an abused child
- PsychologyImportance 4.7Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Treat a person with a severe mental illness
- English LanguageImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.9
Show all 33
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 3.0Level 2.6
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
- AdministrativeImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- TransportationImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- BiologyImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- MathematicsImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- GeographyImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- ChemistryImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.3Level —
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- DesignImportance 1.1Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.1Level —
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.1Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.3Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
Show all 52
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Information OrderingImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- OriginalityImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Near VisionImportance 3.3Level 3.6
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Recite the first names of the five people you just met
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Far VisionImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.9Level 0.9
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.9Level 0.9
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Response OrientationImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Static StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- StaminaImportance 1.6Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.3Level —
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.1Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.1Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.1Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.1Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.6Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.5Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.5Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 4.2Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
Show all 41
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.2Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 4.2Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 4.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.1Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Processing InformationImportance 4.0Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.7
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.9
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.7Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.6Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.5Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
24 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (3)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
Hot (4; 3 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (17)
- Adobe PageMaker
- Client records software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Database software
- Email software
- Information presentation software
- James Frazier Associates DataStart
- Medical condition coding software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Publisher
- Netscape Navigator
- Patient electronic medical record EMR software
- Scheduling software
- Social Solutions ETO
- Social Work Software ClientTouch
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Healthcare Social Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Monitoring −0.7, Learning Strategies −0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −0.7, Active Learning +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.0, Mathematics +0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Nurse Midwives
Average difference 0.2 points · Persuasion −1.0, Active Learning +0.7
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.0, Mathematics +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +0.8, Persuasion −0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Recreational Therapists
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +0.6, Monitoring −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Listening +0.8, Learning Strategies −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Use this in your own job architecture
BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.