Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Boston, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, under the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), is seeking a Human Service Coordinator I to provide all inpatient DPH medical inpatient units with a variety of casework services to address psychosocial functioning. Through direct contact, the Human Services Coordinator I determines status, eligibility and applies for entitlements, along with tracking the application process. Additionally, s/he provides information, education and referral along with acting as a liaison with various public and private agencies and community resources required for patient care.
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30-5PM, Weekends Off

Requirements

• Understanding of developmental disorders, developmental disabilities, and mental health conditions
• Familiarity with community resources and service systems
• Working knowledge of billing systems and processes
• Basic clinical skills and foundational understanding of human behavior, social work, healthcare, and legal frameworks
• Proficiency in medical terminology
• Competence in basic computer applications, including word processing and email
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to negotiate, mediate, and de-escalate conflict effectively
• Capacity to think quickly and exercise sound independent judgment
• Professional demeanor and ability to represent the department with integrity and respect
• Applicants must have (A) 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.
• Based on assignment, travel may be required. Incumbents who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with departmental and hospital policies, procedures, and regulations—including those related to safety, infection control, and emergency protocols—and their impact on staff and patient care
• Awareness of critical job elements and regulatory requirements through ongoing in-service training, including discharge planning, entitlement processes, and health care proxy procedures
• Ability to promote staff engagement in continuing education programs for licensure and professional development, and to identify alternative learning opportunities tailored to the evolving needs of patients and staff

Responsibilities

• Identify patient benefit needs and determine insurance status upon admission.
• Maintain a current database of insurance coverage for all DPH community inpatient units.
• Assess eligibility for benefits through review of records, documentation, and interviews with patients and families.
• Assist patients and families in applying for entitlements such as health insurance and Social Security.
• Advocate for patients with state agencies to facilitate benefit approvals; conduct and attend appeal hearings as needed.
• Schedule and monitor patient disability tele-claim appointments and complete redeterminations to ensure continued eligibility.
• Coordinate and track all entitlement applications across DPH inpatient units.
• Compile monthly statistics and daily admission tracking for departmental reporting.
• Make referrals to appropriate service providers within and outside the hospital system.
• Access the Meditech System daily to monitor census, document activities, and gather materials for entitlement applications.
• Enter clear, concise, and accurate notes into medical records to reflect psychosocial interventions and patient contacts.
• Serve as a Notary Public for the hospital as needed.
• Participate in interdisciplinary finance meetings regarding patients’ MassHealth status.
• Respond to inquiries related to entitlements and billing; maintain liaison with hospital departments.
• Provide education, benefit information, assistance, and in-service training to agency personnel.
• Report changes in MassHealth and SSA policies or regulations to the Social Work Department.
• Identify and collect relevant resources for the Social Work Department.
• Perform ad-hoc social services tasks and other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

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.
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What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees