O*NET-SOC 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.
From O*NET 30.3
Tasks
From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them
Free · O*NET 30.3- Counsel clients in individual or group sessions to assist them in dealing with substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse.Core273
- Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and patient needs.Core275
- Monitor, evaluate, and record client progress with respect to treatment goals.Core276
- Interview clients, review records, conduct assessments, or confer with other professionals to evaluate the mental or physical condition of clients or patients.Core18487
- Supervise or direct other workers who provide services to clients or patients.Core281
- Modify treatment plans according to changes in client status.Core279
- Assist clients in adhering to treatment plans, such as setting up appointments, arranging for transportation to appointments, or providing support.Core18489
- Educate clients or community members about mental or physical illness, abuse, medication, or available community resources.Core18488
- Counsel or aid family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, or supporting the client or patient.Core278
- Increase social work knowledge by reviewing current literature, conducting social research, or attending seminars, training workshops, or classes.Core18490
- 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.Core277
- Plan or conduct programs to prevent substance abuse, combat social problems, or improve health or counseling services in community.Supplemental280
- Develop or advise on social policy or assist in community development.Supplemental282
Technology Skills
From O*NET 30.3, 24 examples in 11 categories, 7 Hot Technology
Free · O*NET 30.3Document management software
- Adobe AcrobatHot Technology
- Microsoft SharePointHot Technology
Desktop publishing software
- Adobe PageMaker
- Microsoft Publisher
Medical software
- Client records software
- James Frazier Associates DataStart
- Medical condition coding software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Patient electronic medical record EMR software
- Social Solutions ETO
- Social Work Software ClientTouch
Office suite software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Microsoft Office softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand
Data base user interface and query software
- Database software
Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft OutlookHot TechnologyIn Demand
Presentation software
- Information presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPointHot Technology
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft ExcelHot TechnologyIn Demand
Internet browser software
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Netscape Navigator
- Web browser software
Word processing software
- Microsoft WordHot Technology
Calendar and scheduling software
- Scheduling software
Detailed Work Activities
From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it
Free · O*NET 30.3Getting Information
Collect information about clients.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Conduct research on social issues.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitor clients to evaluate treatment progress.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Thinking Creatively
Modify treatment plans to accommodate client needs.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Plan programs to address community health issues.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Maintain professional social services knowledge.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Documenting/Recording Information
Maintain client records.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Collaborate with other professionals to assess client needs or plan treatments.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Assisting and Caring for Others
Refer clients to community or social service programs.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Assist clients in handling details of daily life.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Training and Teaching Others
Lead classes or community events.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Supervise workers providing client or patient services.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
Advise others on social or educational issues.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Counsel clients or patients with substance abuse issues.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Counsel family members of clients or patients.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Counsel clients or patients regarding personal issues.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openWFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Job Zone
From O*NET 30.3
Free · O*NET 30.3Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source
WFA coverage: AI skills for this job
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts openPilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.
Equivalents
NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents
Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)
Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)No NICE work role maps to this job.