The Child Youth and Family Services (CYF) division, operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH), is seeking a dynamic candidate to be a Clinical Service Authorization Specialist (CSAS) for the Southeast Area. Primary duties will be to meet with youth and families to assess and determine clinical service authorization for Department of Mental Health (DMH) services in accordance with DMH criteria and regulations. The Clinical Service Authorization Specialist primarily reviews Service Authorization for youth under 22 years old. The Clinical Service Authorization Specialist has the opportunity to work collaboratively with DMH CYF Site Supervisors and local Community Service Agencies (CSA) in the role of Service Integration Specialist (SIS) to provides consultation to CSA care planning teams and facilitates DMH service application for youth in need of services beyond those provided by the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI).Please Note: The Work Schedule is Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm (40 hours/week) with Sunday and Saturdays off.Duties and Responsibilities: (these duties and responsibilities are not all inclusive)· Respond to inquiries from the public and from providers regarding DMH service authorization criteria and processes.· Provide information and resource information to families and service providers.· Provide training to other state agencies, providers and public about DMH criteria and processes and DMH services.· Provide clinical assessment and determination for services as specified in DMH regulations and guidelines.· Conduct face-to-face clinical assessment of applicant at the client’s residence (or other agreed upon setting) at agreed upon time.· Complete comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments of applicants’ history and current presenting issues as well as dynamic formulation of diagnostic impressions and clinical service authorization determination. Arrange independent consultations as needed.· Administer DMH identified risk and/or other functional assessment tools.· Assess the need for DMH-funded short-term services and refer to, while the application is being processed.· Provide assessment to determine need for DMH inpatient continuing care services.· Provide assessment to determine other resources than can be utilized such as another agency or entity, such as DCF, DDS, LEA or Medicaid (CBHI).· Communicate and negotiate with staff external to DMH such as hospital doctors and administrators, school guidance counselors, etc.· Collaborate with site staff and provide clinical consultation to ensure a smooth transition for the new child and family.Required Qualifications:· Knowledge of and ability to apply mental health diagnostic criteria for youth· Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of psychotherapy.· Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of counseling.· Knowledge of interviewing techniques.· Knowledge of the principles, theories, practices and techniques of developmental behavioral health.· Ability to develop psychosocial evaluations, to draw conclusions and to make appropriate recommendations.· Ability to gather information through questioning and observing individuals and by examining records and documents.· Ability to understand, explain and apply the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.Special Requirements:Travel is required – Primary duties will focus on the Southeast Area catchment towns. Travel may also be required throughout the State on occasion based on location of youth and family. Current and valid Massachusetts Class D (or equivalent from another state) Motor Vehicle Operators license required.Preferred Qualifications:· Extensive experience in assessment and diagnosis of behavioral health disorders in childhood, adolescence and young adults· Prior experience working in child-service agencies in Massachusetts.· Multilingual fluencyAbout DMH Child, Youth, and Family Services:The Department of Mental Health provides Child, Youth, and Family Services to eligible individuals and families who meet the clinical criteria for service authorization. In addition, we serve as the Mental Health Authority in the Southeast Area and collaborate, consult with and support implementation of mental health services in the Area.Learn more about our important work:DMH Vision and Mission:The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, 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. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.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. For more information, please visit and click on "Information for Job Applicants."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 .For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.QualificationsFirst 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.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. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.Comprehensive BenefitsWhen 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?Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.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.

Child, Youth and Family Clinical Service Authorization Specialist - Clinical Social Worker C

About Job

Professional Field

Patient Focus

Diagnoses

Issues

Age Groups

Therapeutic Approach

Methodologies

Modalities

Practice Specifics

Populations

Settings

Similar Jobs