Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

15h•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. About the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital: Lemuel Shattuck Hospital is a fully Joint Commission accredited teaching facility that provides acute, subacute, and ambulatory care to patients referred by public agencies and private sector providers. Shattuck Hospital’s services help economically and socially disadvantaged patients to get high quality, cost-effective care from a staff that respects their dignity. Located in the heart of Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood, the Shattuck Hospital includes 248 inpatient beds including 95 Psychiatric beds and 29 Correctional Health beds. In addition, the Shattuck has a full outpatient clinic with many specialties that offers treatment to patients of the Department of Mental Health as well as Department of Correction and House of Correction inmates and community patients. The Shattuck hospital is on the forefront of substance use disorder treatment including a Suboxone clinic serving 200 patients. In addition to direct medical services LSH hosts and supports an array of services located on the campus, serving patients struggling with addictions and homelessness. Learn more about: what it’s like to work as a DPH nurse Learn more about Shattuck Hospital: https\://www.mass.gov/locations/lemuel-shattuck-hospital Relocation information : https\://www.mass.gov/service-details/dph-renovation-for-shattuck-hospital-replacement-building Pre-Hire Process: 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, http\://www.mass.gov If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4

Requirements

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.
Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
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.
Based on assignment as Qualified Intellectual Disabled Professionals, within the Department of Developmental Services, a Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, human services, rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, nursing, recreation therapy, art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, physical education or other a related field is required.
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

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

Comprehensive 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. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

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