Emergency Shelter Social Worker

City of Boston Residency Requirement

Mission Statement

The mission of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is to work in partnership with communities to protect and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, especially those impacted by racism and systemic inequities. The BPHC sets an expectation that all staff and leadership commit, individually and as part of the BPHC team, to hold ourselves accountable to establishing a culture of anti-racism and advance racial equity and justice through each of our bureaus, programs, and offices.

Job Description

• Works as part of the Mental Health and Social Services team Provides clinical assessment, referral and placement services to homeless guests entering emergency shelter who report, or present with signs of, mental illness.
• Completes Mental Health Triage assessments on new shelter guests to determine immediate level of need.
• Identifies high-risk behaviors in new guests and provides direct crisis intervention and clinical support to the team.
• Assertively moves guests on a quick path out of shelter by implementing a diversion plan or making a referral to housing department.
• Works in collaboration with the Clinicians of the Social Work Department, to ensure that clients presenting with acute mental health symptoms are assessed for the most appropriate services and/or referral.
• Assists guests with DMH eligibility applications and, in collaboration with the Social Work Department, coordinates DMH services for clients including outreach services from the Homeless Outreach Team of DMH.
• Works in collaboration with the Recovery Services Bureau for placement into substance abuse and dual-diagnosis treatment if needed.
• Collaborates with external social services agencies and acts as liaison to hospitals, mental health facilities and inpatient/outpatient programs.
• Responsible for providing referrals to psychiatric care and providing follow-up on hospitalized guests to coordinate appropriate discharge plans.
• Develops and maintains referral sources for homeless guests by establishing contacts and working in collaboration with area social services agencies.
• Works closely with all internal departments in order to coordinate and facilitate services.
• Maintains up to date and accurate progress notes and records for the department, including HMIS.
• Assists in compiling records and statistical reports.
• Attends assigned meetings and trainings.
• Provides psycho-educational groups to guests and staff.
• Transports clients via program van.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master degree required. LCSW, LICSW, LMHC or eligible for licensure (within 6 months).
• Strong clinical skills and understanding of mental health and dual-diagnosis issues.
• Experience working with diverse ethnic, racial and economic populations required. Prior experience with homelessness and substance abuse is helpful.
• Familiarity w/ DMH eligibility determination and services.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Boston area social services and mental health agencies.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary team environment.
• Bi-Lingual Spanish speaking preferred
• Boston residency required.
• CORI required.
• Position requires direct client contact. Certain immunizations will be required.

Additional Information

• City of Boston residency is required; Allston, Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Charlestown, Chinatown, Dorchester, Downtown, East Boston, Fenway-Kenmore, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mid-Dorchester, Mission Hill, North End, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, South End, West End, West Roxbury, Wharf district.
• A Criminal Offenders Records Information request must be completed for this position. However, a record is not an automatic bar to employment but is reviewed in relation to the job applied for.
• Certain immunizations will be recommended and/or required prior to commencement of employment duties.
• Any position that requires an advanced degree will be subject to education verification.
• Certain positions at the BPHC may be Grant Funded.
• The Boston Public Health Commission is an EEO Employer and all applicants meeting the minimum requirements are eligible to apply.
• Certain positions at the BPHC may require Child Protective Service Background verification.
• The advertised shift and schedule are subject to change at the department's discretion.

Shift

Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm

Grant Funding Information

This position is dependent on grants / external funding sources.

Pay Range

58,000 to 63,000