Human Services Coordinator I (child, Youth & Family)

Human Services Coordinator I (Child, Youth & Family)

The Department of Mental Health (DMH), Western Massachusetts Area is seeking qualified professionals for the position of Human Services Coordinator I (Case Manager) 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 rights with all community providers, agencies, families, court systems, employers and significant others in order to ensure that client's rights are recognized and respected. The schedule for this position is 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with Saturday and Sunday off. This position works in the Child, Youth & Families Division and is based out of the Greenfield office.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides discharge planning and subsequent service coordination for hospitalized clients at psychiatric units, and at Transitional/Respite programs by maintaining an assigned caseload.
• 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 clinical evaluations of Request for Service Applications in accordance with clinical 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 insures 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.

DMH Mission Statement: The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and support to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.

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. Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. 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.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.