Behavioral Health Clinical Internship

bphccareers; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

bphccareers seeks a qualified mental health professional to support homeless guests in an emergency shelter environment. You will perform mental health triage, assess needs, and provide crisis intervention and referrals to housing and DMH services as needed.

Work in collaboration with the Social Work Department, coordinate DMH outreach, and help ensure appropriate discharge planning. CORI is required; bilingual skills are a plus.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in an accredited MSW or Master of Counseling Psychology degree program.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mental health triage assessments for new shelter guests.
• Provide crisis intervention and clinical support to the team.
• Coordinate referrals to housing, DMH services, and substance abuse treatment when needed.
• Collaborate with the Social Work Department to assess and refer clients.
• Maintain HMIS progress notes and records for the department.
• Assist in gathering records and statistical reports.
• Engage in outreach with external social services and hospitals.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Clinical assessment

Referral coordination

Team collaboration

Documentation

Multicultural experience

Education

MSW or Master of Counseling Psychology enrollment

Job description

• Works as part of the Mental Health and Social Services team Provides clinical assessment, referral and placement services to homeless guests entering emergency shelter who report, or present with signs of, mental illness.
• Completes Mental Health Triage assessments on new shelter guests to determine immediate level of need.
• Identifies high-risk behaviors in new guests and provides direct crisis intervention and clinical support to the team.
• Assertively moves guests on a quick path out of shelter by implementing a diversion plan or making a referral to housing department.
• Works in collaboration with the Clinicians of the Social Work Department, to ensure that clients presenting with acute mental health symptoms are assessed for the most appropriate services and/or referral.
• Assists guests with DMH eligibility applications and, in collaboration with the Social Work Department, coordinates DMH services for clients including outreach services from the Homeless Outreach Team of DMH.
• Works in collaboration with the Recovery Services Bureau for placement into substance abuse and dual-diagnosis treatment if needed.
• Collaborates with external social services agencies and acts as liaison to hospitals, mental health facilities and inpatient/outpatient programs.
• Responsible for providing referrals to psychiatric care and providing follow-up on hospitalized guests to coordinate appropriate discharge plans.
• Develops and maintains referral sources for homeless guests by establishing contacts and working in collaboration with area social services agencies.
• Works closely with all internal departments in order to coordinate and facilitate services.
• Maintains up to date and accurate progress notes and records for the department, including HMIS.
• Assists in compiling records and statistical reports.
• Attends assigned meetings and trainings.
• Provides psycho-educational groups to guests and staff.

• Enrollment in an accredited Master of Social Work of Master of Counseling Psychology degree program.
• Foundational clinical skills and understanding of mental health and dual-diagnosis issues.
• Experience working with diverse ethnic, racial and economic populations required. Prior experience with homelessness and substance abuse is helpful.
• Familiarity w/ DMH eligibility determination and services helpful.
• Knowledge of Boston area social services and mental health agencies helpful.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary team environment.
• Bi-Lingual Spanish speaking helpful.
• CORI required.