Clinical social worker (c) service authorization and intake

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking an experienced Clinical Social Worker C to serve at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center (MMHC). This position combines direct clinical services with staff supervision, contract management and programmatic oversight. Responsibilities include conducting Needs and Means assessments to identify unmet service needs and determine DMH's capacity to address those needs through state-operated and contracted services; completing outpatient clinic intakes; providing interim care coordination services and/or case management services; supervising staff; and monitoring contracted services. This position facilitates access to services for adults living with serious mental illness while supporting daily operations, maintaining clinical standards and promoting the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based mental health care.

Duties and Responsibilities

(these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Contact clients within 48 hours of receipt of application to set up needs and means assessment
• Read and review DMH application/file within 48 hours of receipt of application
• Contact referrals source and other collaterals prior to meeting the client
• Document all interactions in MHIS
• Conduct needs and means assessments on all new MMHC clients
• Provides risk mitigation assessments as part of the needs and means process.
• Responsible for voter registrations as part of the needs and means process.
• Meets with clients at MMHC, community or in-patient settings.
• Conduct home visits when necessary
• Upon completion of needs and means assessment, make all necessary referrals to community programs and documents this in MHIS
• Attend and coordinate service authorization meetings.
• Conducts MMHC Op clinic intakes.
• Facilitates clinical social work support to the outpatient clinic Warm Center clinics including the Meds Only Clinic
• Coordinates and facilitates AOR (area of responsibility) and Site Changes
• Oversees and coordinates all site connected section 3 referrals.
• Provides clinical care coordination services including critical needs case management.
• Supervises needs and means social worker a/b and case managers, as assigned.
• Serves as contract manager for assigned site based service contracts, also serving as site liaison to the Forensic Transitions Team
• Participates in site based, area and agency wide meetings, and center wide committees and performance improvement initiatives as assigned.
• Represents MMHC at area office meetings.
• Travel as needed to conduct assessments and attend meetings.
• Responsible for conducting needs and means assessments for all newly authorized DMH MMHC clients.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the principles of physiological, psychological and emotional growth and development and uses of diagnostic procedures employed
• Adept in interviewing and problem-solving techniques
• Familiar with psychotherapies and principles of psychosocial rehabilitation
• Ability to understand and apply rules, regulations and laws governing agency and unit operations
• Able to maintain accurate records and follow and give clear and precise oral and written instructions
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as physician’s orders and treatment plans as well as participate in a multi-disciplinary health care team
• Experienced exercising sound judgment, making decisions and acting quickly in emergency situations
• Ability to establish rapport and deal effectively with persons from diverse cultures, races and lifestyles
• Able to maintain confidentiality of client information
• Skilled in motivating clients to participate in individual treatment plans
• Experienced treating and interacting with persons who are under physical/emotional stress
• Ability to assess, analyze, draw conclusions and determine the applicability of clinical data in order make and/or take appropriate actions, recommendations or referrals
• Able to supervise and evaluate staff and trainees
• Skilled in preparing and implementing treatment plans

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing agency and unit
• Familiar with the types and uses of agency and unit forms
• Experience with public and private community-based resources for clients
• Knowledgeable about safety practices and procedures followed by agency and unit as well as DMH service authorization regulations and guidelines

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE:

At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience as a clinical social worker after earning a Master's degree in social work.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• A Doctorate in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, or human services may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
• One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

A Master's or higher degree in social work is required.

LICENSES:

• Licensure as a Licensed Certified Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Social Work is required.
• Based on assignment, travel may be required. Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.