Ben Elig & Refer Soc Wrk (A/B)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Department of Mental Health is seeking a Benefits Eligibility and Referral Social Worker to help patients access entitlements and benefits, including MassHealth and birth certificates.

You will maintain records, coordinate with departments, and advocate for patient rights while supporting social work staff. The role emphasizes dignity, respect, and patient-centered care.

Qualifications

• At least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional or paraprofessional experience in social work or related fields.
• Substitution: Bachelor’s degree may substitute for two years of experience.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Obtain information for benefit eligibility and provide it to the appropriate staff.
• Assist patients with applying for birth certificates as needed.
• Assist patients with applying for MassHealth.
• Track entitlements and benefit applications submitted.
• Maintain databases and benefit information.
• Provide correspondence to organizations, departments and staff as needed.
• Work with guardians/representative payees as indicated.
• Support the Director of Social Work with additional services.
• Treat patients with dignity and advocate for their rights and preferences.

Skills

Social work

Advocacy

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description

Description

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a dedicated Benefits Eligibility and Referral Social Worker. This role is essential in ensuring patients receive the support they need. As a key member of our team, you will facilitate access to crucial entitlements and benefits, enhancing the overall care experience for our patients. Your efforts in obtaining and sharing eligibility information with relevant departments, assisting patients with applications for birth certificates and Mass Health, and maintaining accurate records will directly contribute to the well-being and advocacy of those we serve.

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by treating every patient with dignity and respect, advocating for their rights, and supporting the social work staff in delivering comprehensive care. You will collaborate with a compassionate team and take on a variety of tasks, from tracking benefit applications to corresponding with external organizations. If you are passionate about patient advocacy and eager to contribute to a dynamic healthcare environment, this role is for you.

Please Note

The schedule will be as follows: 1st shift, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday as days off.

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

Obtain information for benefit eligibility and provide information to the appropriate staff and departments.

Assist patients in applying for birth certificates as needed.

Assist patients in applying for Mass Health.

Track entitlements and benefit applications submitted.

Maintain databases and benefit information.

Provide correspondence to organizations, departments and staff as needed.

Work with guardians/representative payees as indicated.

Provide additional services as requested by the Director of Social Work.

Treat all patients with dignity and respect through interactions which affirm the individual’s needs and preferences and by optimally integrating the patient’s perspective into all facets of care; advocate for patients, facilitate timely resolution of patient concerns and assist patients in the exercise of their rights.

Preferred Qualifications:

Proficiency with MS Office including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

About Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH):

Located on over 20 acres in Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) is part of an integrated network of effective, efficient, and culturally competent mental health services. It provides intermediate and long-term inpatient care for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who live in Massachusetts, as well as individuals requiring specialized court ordered evaluations.
WRCH provides inpatient services to 290 adults and 30 adolescents, inclusive of a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service program for 10 patients.

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and support 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.

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 Employment & Staffing at 1 [phone], Option 4.

Qualifications

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

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or paraprofessional experience in social work or social casework, claims adjudication, job placement, recruitment, employment counseling, vocational or rehabilitation counseling, credit investigation, educational counseling, legal advocacy, or legal counseling.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

- A Bachelor's or higher degree 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.

LICENSES:

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 Class D 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.

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.

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.

Official Title : Ben Elig & Refer Soc Wrk (A/B)

Job

Community and Social Services

Agency

Department of Mental Health

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Oct 2, 2026, 2:35:12 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

66,367.60 - 90,382.76 Yearly

If you have Diversity, ...

Bargaining Unit : 08-SEIU - Local 509 - Social/Rehabilitation

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : No