Case Manager

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking an organized and dynamic individual for the position of Human Services Coordinator I to join The Massachusetts Mental Health Center (MMHC) team. The Human Service Coordinator I provides assessment, outreach, support, service coordination and person centered advocacy to DMH authorized adults by promoting DMH’s philosophy of recovery, trauma informed care, person-centered choices, and cultural humility by utilizing strength-based goal setting and through independent decision-making. This position is responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of individual service plans; as well as assisting individuals in securing services and performs all duties to reflect the highest level of dignity for persons served.

Requirements

Experienced with mental health, i.e., psychosocial problems of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness
Knowledge of and ability to work within the Department of Mental Health’s mission of recovery and person-centered planning.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Considerable ability to work independently on assignments, manage time and respond to multiple demands by effectively prioritizing tasks.
Demonstrated skills in the development of helpful and supportive relationships with persons assigned for case management services.
Knowledge of basic clinical skills of crisis intervention and risk management.
Familiarity with the types of community programs and services available to individuals living with mental illness.
Ability to effectively organize and run meetings and case conferences to promote collaboration and information sharing.
Skilled in evaluating and maintaining accurate records.
Able to work cooperatively and effectively with clients, provider staff, and community partners.
Ability to travel for job-related purposes required.
At least three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional experience in human services work or social work or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
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.
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Statewide Case Management Individual Service Plan Manual and DMH regulations.
Basic knowledge of DSM Diagnostic criteria and primary psychiatric medications.
Proficiency in the utilization of the Electronic Health Record
Knowledge of the special needs of the adult population.
Ability to understand, support and implement the principles of race, equity, and inclusion.
Able to make constructive use of professional supervision and accept feedback.
Knowledge of the spiritual and cultural needs of the clients served.

Responsibilities

Provides creative engagement strategies including regularly scheduled face-to-face contact in accordance with the needs of the person served, family and other community providers to engage and sustain involvement in attaining the individual’s goals and maintaining community tenure.
Directly provides assistance and support with, but not limited to, housing search, employment search, skill development, symptom management, wellness management, and encourages active participation in treatment by developing positive therapeutic relationship.
Regularly schedules visits occur in the client’s home or usual place of residence, as appropriate, and monitors safety of the environment.
Prepares and maintains documentation according to DMH regulations and Electronic Health Record (EHR) business rules including progress notes and other required documentation.
Creates a comprehensive assessment of individual needs in accordance with DMH regulations and timelines by interviewing the individual, family &/or LAR, significant others; obtaining records; gathering relevant written and verbal information from past & current service providers in order to determine the service needs.
Implements, and monitors the individual service plan (ISP) per DMH regulations and timelines with the individual and service providers; convenes and facilitates meetings to review and modify the ISP, when indicated.
Develops a critical needs assessment of individual needs and a critical needs plan in accordance with DMH regulations and timelines for designated individuals receiving Critical Needs Case Management. Interviews the individual, family &/or LAR and significant others, obtains records, gathers relevant written and verbal information from past and current service providers in order to determine the critical service needs.
Conducts in person screenings and needs & means assessments to identify need for services, respond to requests for interim services and recommend &/or refer to services as appropriate.
Refers individuals for specialized assessments and to programs and services, including entitlements, that are indicated by the Comprehensive Assessment and ISP.
Monitors and ensure that services and entitlements are in place and meeting the individual’s identified needs.
Coordinates transitions by facilitating communication with providers and families to ensure individual is receiving needed services in a timely manner.
Directly engages with individual throughout all housing and care settings (inpatient, jail, shelters, SNF, etc) to ensure access to needed services, coordination and communication among service providers and to facilitate efficient transitions &/or diversions.
Leads discharge planning & service coordination activities to support community transitions or diversion of individuals to ensure a smooth transition to the community.
Links individuals to appropriate agencies & organizations to meet individual needs identified through the ISP process and ensure that necessary services are provided in the least restrictive environment.
Participates in utilization management reviews to monitor efficient use of resources.
Identifies historic & current risk factors of assigned individuals and collaborates with the individual, Supervisor, crisis intervention services, & service providers to facilitate and participate in appropriate assessment and planning.
Facilitates and participates in the development of plans to address risk & safety for assigned individuals according to DMH protocol and policy.
Completes screenings and may complete assessments (e.g. suicide, substance use, etc) as needed and according to DMH protocols and policies.
Responds to and manage crises by providing face-to-face or telehealth contact when appropriate. Engages in direct communication with Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCI), Behavioral Health Helpline &/or 911; completes necessary alerts with MCI; ensures communication with Supervisor and all other appropriate parties.
Provides and/or arranges for transportation to ensure individual has access to needed services.
Demonstrates cultural humility through knowledge and sensitivity to age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender and sexual orientation of the individuals served.
Responds to inquiries & concerns from the general public including: municipal, housing and public safety officials, community agencies, etc. Ensures responses comply with DMH and HIPPA confidentiality requirements.
Develops skills and competencies by completing mandatory trainings and attending other skill development trainings.
Other duties as assigned.