Senior Social Worker

DUTIES

The Senior Social Worker is a lead position in the ongoing development and operation of BPHC/Homeless Services programs providing housing search and retention to the chronically homeless population.

Under the direction of the Director, responsible for the overall management and supervision of Behavioral Health Stabilization services. Provides clinical oversight to assigned clients that may include shelter and community-based services. Provides clinical consultation to Housing Department staff and direct services to those clients in need of behavioral health intervention and treatment planning.

Recruits, hires, trains, evaluates and supervises Case Management staff.

Develops programming based on principles of Critical Time Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other Best Practices for clients with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders.

Provides clinical supervision to Case Management staff, ensuring all clients are provided adequate and appropriate services utilizing these Best Practices.

Ensures accurate record keeping by all staff, according to program outcome and evaluation requirements.

Monitors and develops partnerships with community service providers. Establishes linkages with mental health providers, health care providers, private/public agencies, and client referral sources (i.e. HomeStart, BHA, Emergency Shelter Commission, Substance Abuse, Health Care for the Homeless, and community integration programs) for the purpose of coordinating case management and to augment program services.

Responsible for the development and oversight of all clinical and client services, including intake, assessment and referral services for program participants, all of whom have co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. Provides assessment, clinical intervention and care coordination services to clients through all phases of treatment and follow-up. Provides crisis intervention, including assessment of need for acute treatment services (e.g. dual-diagnosis inpatient services, detox, etc) and provides referral for appropriate follow-up. Identifies high-risk behaviors and provides clinical support. Oversees community-housing placements maintaining safety by monitoring client compliance with "individual service plans" and rental agreements.

Facilitates staff meetings and community meetings when scheduled. Assists in developing, scheduling and overseeing client home visits, transportation, community meetings and life skills trainings

Ensures compliance with all third-party billing requirements for community-based services.

Compiles records, statistics, and other reports in accordance with BPHC funding requirements.

Works as part of leadership team for Homeless Services Bureau, including development and implementation of trainings for direct-care staff.

Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree required. LCSW, LICSW, or LMHC required.

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.