Clinical Practice:
Screens patients who request service, are referred by MGH providers or Chelsea High School social workers, or meet departmental screening criteria for identifying patient needs.
Provides psychosocial assessments of patients with social, emotional, interpersonal and/or environmental issues. Formulates biopsychosocial or, for mental health use, DSM IV diagnoses (all 5 axes), disposition and treatment plans. Provides mandated assessments when abuse is suspected and specialized safety assessment when violence is suspected.
Employs a range of clinical interventions such as evidence-based psychotherapy (individual and group); psychosocial counseling; crisis intervention; care coordination/case management; complementary therapies; information and referral and safety planning. Advocates on behalf of patients and their families to gain access to services and resources.
Works effectively as part of an interdisciplinary patient care team including SHC personnel, MGH Chelsea providers, school personnel, and community providers
Determines needs for and implements DPH required tiered interventions, including professional development/staff support, public health efforts, patient groups, individual therapy and support, referral for psychopharmacological evaluations, and crisis intervention.
Provides psychosocial consultation on patient-care planning and patient/family management.
Provides risk management. Facilitates the appropriate and efficient use of Hospital resources.
Identifies problems/issues for quality improvement (clinical and system). Leads/participates in formal Q.I. programs and committees.
Presents and/or discusses clinical work in formal and informal case reviews and seminars and inter- and intra-departmental peer review meetings.
May participate in research projects. May initiate/implement psychosocial programs based on patient/family identified need. Programs may be intermittent or ongoing, informal or formal.
Teaching and Education:
Assesses student learning needs, styles and readiness. Educates students based on treatment plan, identified gaps and barriers, diversity issues and learning styles.
May mentor or supervise graduate students or staff. May teach in departmental and health center seminars/workshops/rounds.
Collaboration:
Collaborates and consults with students, parents, school professionals, and providers inside and outside the SHC and MGH Chelsea Health Center to develop and implement outpatient care. Refers to and collaborates with interdepartmental specialists and programs, outside agencies, facilities, payors, and other relevant community resources.
Organizational/Administrative Skills:
Takes responsibility for own administrative duties, including timely and appropriate documentation in patient medical records, timely and accurate daily reporting of activities via the Behavioral Health Department’s information system and hospital’s scheduling systems, and accurate reporting of time worked.
Attends and participates in intra- and interdisciplinary meetings and staff meetings at the SHC, at MGH Chelsea, and at DPH.
Participates in SHC initiatives and activities. Participates in behavioral health departmental and MGH Chelsea Health Center committees as well as Chelsea community behavioral health initiatives.
Professional Conduct:
Adheres to the profession’s clinical standards and Code of Ethics.
Adheres to the SHC, Behavioral Health Department and MGH Chelsea Health Center standards, policies and procedures.
Promotes SHC, Behavioral Health Department and MGH Chelsea Health Center public relations/risk management.
Professional Development:
Participates in supervision as appropriate to level of licensure/professional development.
Is responsible for own professional development. Attends pertinent continuing education and professional activities related to job responsibilities and career goals. Attends all mandatory DPH school-based health care trainings. Keeps current with social work and health care developments pertinent to job and profession. Complies with licensure requirements.
Patient Population:
SHC social worker will provide care to adolescents at Chelsea High School, ages 13 – 22, including a significant immigrant population.
MSW, Massachusetts license at highest level of eligibility. LCSW, LICSW preferred. Will consider LMHC
Strong assessment and treatment skills, Good organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, Strong interpersonal skills. Able to work independently and collaborate effectively with the team. Demonstrated ability to understand the role of social worker in a community, health center setting and to work in a complex, fast-paced environment. Previous experience working with diverse communities.
Minimum 2 years experience preferred
Spanish Speaking Required
Knowledge of specific medical/psychiatric illnesses, procedures and treatments, related medications (i.e., psychotrophic, chemotherapy, etc.), acuity versus chronicity, effect on normal growth and development.
Ability to provide rapid clinical psychosocial assessments and brief, short term or long term treatment/management with students, both individually and in groups.
Advanced crisis intervention/treatment/management skills.
Demonstrated competency in age specific behaviors; cultural issues; effect of illness as well as family member illness on age-related development.
Knowledge of community agencies/resources. Ability to advocate/negotiate systems for/with patients.
Documents in medical record according to departmental policies and procedures.
Maintains patient/family confidentiality.
Ability to collaborate/team/consult/teach.
Spanish Speaking required
Ambulatory staff provides care at MGH Chelsea Student Health Center at Chelsea High School for 44 weeks of the year while school is in session. Hybrid possible.
May mentor or supervise case assistants (B.A.), MSW’s licensed at the LCSW level and/or MSW’s at the LICSW level as assigned by the leadership team.