Massachusetts Veterans Jobs

As part of an interdisciplinary team of forensic clinicians, the Court Clinic Social Worker provides a broad array of services to the District and Superior Courts including MGL Chapter 123 statutory 35 and §15(e) forensic evaluations, §12(a) evaluations, probation evaluations, and provision of referral, consultation, and liaison services. These services are provided to individuals who come before the court on criminal and / or civil matters who may be in the custody of the courts, jails, County houses of correction, State prison facilities, or mental health facilities. Services are also provided to families, court personnel, inpatient and community service providers according to procedures and guidelines established by the Forensic Services Division of DMH. _Please Note:_The incumbent may be required to work at other locations in the Metro-Boston Area as requested. _Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):_ * Performs evaluations and prepares written reports according to established guidelines as allowed under MGL Chapter 123 and other non-statutory evaluations and assessments upon referral from court personnel. * Performs MGL Chapter 123 §35 and §15(e) evaluations. * Performs MGL Chapter 123 §12(a) evaluations. * Performs intake interviews of criminal defendants, and subjects of and petitioners in civil commitment proceedings (§12 and §35) in order to gather clinical information. * Performs mental status exams to identify symptoms of mental illness and related substance use to assess suicide / homicide ideation and to determine a psychosocial diagnosis. * Provides referral, consultation, and liaison services at assigned courts regarding mental health and/or mental health with substance use issues to offenders, attorneys, judges, clerks, police, probation, families, inpatient and community-based mental health (especially Emergency Services Programs), and substance use service systems. * Maintains liaison relationship with various public and private agencies, organizations, and officials for arrangement of dispositional placement of mentally ill defendants and civilly committed person, including bed searches under Sections 12 and 35 protocols. * Coordinates the forensic assessment process by: gathering key documents like police reports and criminal records, prior mental health contact information, and scheduling extended forensic evaluation in the court clinic or other settings. * Testifies as needed at court hearings to provide information concerning mentally ill defendants or prisoners, and potential disposition / treatment options. * Consults to all parties in the civil and criminal court, including petitioners and family members of defendants regarding mental health issues and case disposition of mentally ill defendants to assist in providing information relative to the questions asked by the court referral and in response to providing direction on disposition. * Arranges for diversion of mentally ill persons from the criminal justice system when clinically and legally appropriate by utilizing links between the court clinic and insurers and providers of mental health services (especially Emergency Services Programs), and coordinates satisfactory dispositions. * Maintains working knowledge of developments, trends, policies, and procedures in the mental health system and in the provision of substance use treatment services to persons in the civil and criminal justice systems. * Completes court clinic data forms and maintain records. * Attends staff meetings and other meetings as necessary for the completion of assigned tasks. * On an individual case by case basis, provides guidance and functional supervision to qualified new staff that will allow them to complete section 35 evaluations. _Required Qualifications:_ * Licensure as a Licensed Certified Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Social Work is required. * Knowledge of the human services systems. * Knowledge of community resources as they relate to implementing disposition planning. * Knowledge of the criminal justice system. * Knowledge of applicable sections of MGL Chapter 123. * Ability to assess the clinical service needs of incarcerated mentally ill persons. * Ability to collaborate with administrative and clinical staffs, and to negotiate complex situations. * Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. * Ability to perform at a highly skilled clinical level in crisis intervention. * Past experience in the delivery of forensic evaluations and treatment services either in a court clinic setting, an inpatient unit, or at a Forensic prison hospital. _Preferred Qualifications:_ * Knowledge of the Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives managed by DMH * Knowledge of applicable DMH policies and procedures. * Knowledge of the mission of the DMH Forensic Division in the court system. * Experience working in court clinic settings is strongly preferred. * Access to reliable transportation for required work-related travel. * Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency. _Mission Statement:_ The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports 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-Offer 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. 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 the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #2. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience as a clinical social worker after earning a Master's degree in social work. SUBSTITUTIONS: - A Doctorate in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, or human services may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience. - One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. REQUIRED EDUCATION: A Master's or higher degree in social work is required. LICENSES: - Licensure as a Licensed Certified Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Social Work is required. - Based on assignment, travel may be required. Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state. *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! Executive Order #595:As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption. An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: Community and Social Services* *Organization: Department of Mental Health *Title: *Court Clinic Social Worker Location: Massachusetts-Medford - 4040 Mystic Vly Pkwy Requisition ID: 230003Q5