Emergency Shelter Social Worker

bphccareers; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

bphccareers in Massachusetts seeks a licensed mental health clinician to join its Mental Health and Social Services team. The role delivers clinical assessment, referral and placement services to homeless shelter guests, including DMH eligibility support and crisis intervention.

You will work with clinicians across departments to ensure appropriate service referrals, coordinate with hospitals and social service agencies, and document progress notes in HMIS.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work or related field is required.
• Licensure eligibility within 6 months for LCSW/LICSW/LMHC.
• Experience with homelessness and substance abuse is preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred.
• Knowledge of DMH eligibility determinations and services.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical assessment, referral and placement services to homeless shelter guests.
• Conduct Mental Health Triage assessments to determine immediate needs.
• Deliver crisis intervention for high-risk individuals.
• Coordinate with Social Work Department and DMH for eligibility and services.
• Collaborate with hospitals and external social services agencies.
• Maintain HMIS progress notes and accurate records.
• Attend meetings and trainings and provide psycho-educational groups.
• Transport clients as needed.

Skills

Strong clinical skills

Bilingual Spanish

Excellent organizational skills

Interdisciplinary teamwork

DMH eligibility knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Social Work

LICSW / LCSW / LMHC eligibility within 6 months

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.
• Transports clients via program van.

• Master degree required. LCSW, LICSW, LMHC or eligible for licensure (within 6 months).
• Strong 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.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Boston area social services and mental health agencies.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary team environment.
• Bi-Lingual Spanish speaking preferred
• Boston residency required.
• CORI required.
• Position requires direct client contact. Certain immunizations will be required.