Tewksbury Hospital, part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), is seeking a dynamic Social Worker who is dedicated to making an essential impact in the lives of individuals facing complex medical, mental, and social challenges. As a key member of an interdisciplinary team, you will provide personalized support to patients with a wide range of needs, including those with cognitive impairments, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and legal involvement. Your work will focus on navigating the intersection of healthcare, benefits access, and discharge planning, advocating for patients as they apply for MassHealth, disability income, housing, and other crucial resources to support their successful transition from hospital to community life.In this position, you will engage directly with patients and their representatives to resolve legal, financial, and systemic barriers to care continuity. Whether accompanying patients to court, coordinating benefits applications, or facilitating guardianship documentation, your contributions will directly shape their quality of life and access to essential services. This is a deeply meaningful role for a professional who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and is committed to equitable access to care and support for vulnerable populations.Please Note: This position works 37.5 hours per week during the day shift, Monday through Friday. Days off are Saturday and Sunday.Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):· Conduct individualized meetings with patients and their surrogate decision-makers to facilitate applications for financial, medical, and housing benefits, including MassHealth, SSI/SSDI, public/private housing, and transportation services.· Monitor and manage MassHealth eligibility for assigned patients, including coordinating conversions, completing redetermination forms, and ensuring coverage aligns with discharge and continuing care needs.· Maintain up-to-date knowledge of state and federal benefit programs, guiding patients in accessing and maintaining appropriate insurance and income support to reduce barriers to discharge.· Support patients in navigating legal, financial, and administrative challenges related to discharge planning, including immigration, citizenship, and court-related matters.· Escort and supervise patients during off-unit appointments, discharge visits, and court appearances, ensuring safety and providing social and emotional support, especially for individuals with behavioral or criminal histories.· Assist in the completion and coordination of necessary documentation, including application form, and Monitor’s Reports for guardianship cases.· Collaborate with interdisciplinary treatment teams by actively participating in unit meetings, care conferences, and discharge planning discussions.· Manage and monitor Representative Payee (Rep Payee) cases, assisting patients in budgeting and utilizing Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) funds effectively to meet their personal needs.· Provide cross-coverage and support to other units as needed, ensuring continuity of service in the absence of fellow Social Workers.· Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations, including HIPAA, to maintain the confidentiality and security of patient information while delivering ethical and compliant social work services.Required Qualifications:· Demonstrated ability to engage tactfully and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing physical and emotional stress.· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain collaborative and harmonious working relationships across multidisciplinary teams.· Skilled in gathering comprehensive information through observation, interviews, and review of records and documentation.· Proficient in accurately documenting verbal and written information and maintaining detailed, organized records.· Compassionate and patient approach to supporting individuals in challenging or high-stress circumstances.Preferred Qualifications:· Thorough understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and policies governing medical social work, including procedures related to legal guardianship and discharge planning.· In-depth knowledge of public benefit programs and eligibility requirements, including Medicare, MassHealth, Veterans Administration benefits, and other health and welfare resources for vulnerable adult populations.· Proficient in applying core social work principles such as confidentiality, non-judgment, and client self-determination, with the ability to effectively use hospital computer systems and related technology.DPH Mission and Vision:The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do: |About Tewksbury Hospital:Tewksbury Hospital offers a broad range of services, including a physician on site at all times, around-the-clock nursing care, rehabilitation services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, psychology services, social services, nutritional services, and an on-site dialysis clinic.Learn more about our important work: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 visitEducation, 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.For questions about this requisition, please contact EOHHS Employment and Staffing Customer Service at 1-800-510-4122, option 4.Questions or issues regarding access/login credentials to MassCareers, please contact the Mass HR ESC at 617-979-8500.If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete theQualificationsFirst consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:Applicants must have (A) a Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education or criminal justice or a relevant human services degree and (B) a current and valid Licensures as a Licensed Social Work Associate, Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Certified Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker issued by the Massachusetts Board of Registration*.*Applicants at the Department of Children and Families must obtain the required license in Social Work within the first nine (9) months of employment.The classification may require possession of a current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License at a class level specific to assignment.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.

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