Human Services Coordinator I

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Greenfield, MA

1d

About The Position

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking qualified professionals for the position of Human Services Coordinator to promote services that are clinically appropriate, least restrictive and delivered close to home. The services are designed to be strength-based, recovery-oriented and culturally/linguistically competent. The selected candidate advocates for client’s services and planning activities with all community providers, agencies, families, court systems, employers and significant others in order to ensure that client’s needs and wishes are recognized and respected. The Case Manager carries a caseload of assigned clients and helps clients locate and maintain\: housing, benefits/entitlements, healthcare providers, vocational services, DMH contracted community supports, socialization and community engagement opportunities and transportation to support a client’s recovery goals and successful tenure in the community. Please Note : This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position and the incumbent will work a schedule from 8\:30 a.m. to 5\:00 p.m. Days off are Saturday and Sunday.

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.
• Demonstrated knowledge of psychosocial problems of those with mental/emotional disorders and the types and symptoms.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of counseling.
• Familiarity with the types of programs and services available to individuals living with mental illness.
• General understanding of interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of methods of general report writing with the ability to assess case management process and results.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Strong and effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen well, relate to others and demonstrate sensitivity and respect for individuals.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving a diverse population with cultural competence and sensitivity, as well as the ability to work with a wide range of constituencies with diplomacy and tact.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

Responsibilities

• Assists in discharge planning and service coordination for clients who are hospitalized, homeless, incarcerated and other settings to transition smoothly to the community.
• Develops and drafts a Comprehensive Assessment (CA), Individual Service Plan (ISP) and an Individual Risk Management (IRM) plan to support and ensure needs are addressed in a comprehensive and appropriate manner.
• Provides information, referral and short-term linkage services to those who are not DMH eligible, or those eligible on a waiting list for services.
• Links clients with appropriate agencies and organizations to meet client’s needs identified through the ISP process and ensures that necessary services are provided in the least restrictive environment.
• Offers input regarding assessment of client’s strengths and needs to supervisor or other clinical service staff in order to facilitate appropriate client care across all Area services.
• Ensures a helping and supportive relationship with clients, their families and significant others in order to encourage clients to function as independently as possible.
• Establishes working relationships with service providers and acts as the contact to resolve issues related to the provision of services as described in the client’s ISP.
• Prepares consultation materials for presentations and follows up on relevant recommendations.
• Assists with needs and means evaluations of Adult Request for Service Applications in accordance with criteria specified in DMH regulations and guidelines.
• Attends case management staff meetings, ongoing and regular weekly supervision meetings, clinical reviews, staff meetings and relevant trainings sessions, seminars, conferences and academic courses in order to maintain and improve current knowledge of community treatment of the long term, seriously mentally ill, or seriously emotionally disturbed.
• Provides or ensures that DMH contracted program staff provide life management supports as needed such as assisting clients with placements, monitoring appointments with medical/mental health providers; arranges transportation when necessary and finding appropriate housing.
• Identifies gaps in services and other system problems via participation in the Quality Improvement and Utilization processes for case management in order to maintain professional standards of client care within the Case Management Program.

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!

What This Job Offers

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