Ben Elig & Refer Soc Wrk (A/B)

The Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) operated by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a dynamic social worker who will serve as a member of the Hospital Administration Clinical Social Work Department. The selected candidate will be responsible for gathering and providing important entitlement information to various departments within the hospital. By doing so, this will ensure that our patients receive the benefits and services they are entitled to, while also supporting the work of the social work staff.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with patients to help them navigate the entitlement application process. You will assist them in applying for birth certificates and MassHealth, two key entitlements that can significantly impact their healthcare coverage and access to services. Your attention to detail and organizational skills will be essential in tracking entitlements and benefit applications submitted, ensuring that important deadlines are met.

WRCH provides inpatient services to 290 adults and 30 adolescents, inclusive of a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service program for 10 patients.

Please note: This position is full-time, 40 hours a week. The schedule is 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Days off are Sunday& Saturday.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

* Gather and provide information on benefit eligibility to relevant staff and departments.

* Assist patients in the application process for birth certificates and Mass Health.

* Track entitlements and benefit applications submitted for effective management.

* Maintain accurate and up-to-date databases and benefit information in the Medical Health Information System (MHIS).

* Provide timely correspondence to organizations, departments, and staff as required.

* Collaborate with guardians or representative payees to ensure the best interests of patients are upheld.

* Offer additional services as directed by the Director of Social Work.

* Handle all patients with dignity and respect, actively incorporating their perspectives into care.

* Advocate for patients and facilitate the resolution of their concerns in a timely manner.

* Assist patients in exercising their rights and empower them to make informed decisions regarding their entitlements and care.

Required Qualifications:

* Capability to develop and establish policies and procedures governing job responsibilities.

* Familiarity with procedures for utilizing computerized data entry.

* Understanding of appropriate process for the verification of outpatient/emergency service invoices through the use of medical record and other available sources.

* Proficient in facilitating social work methods and techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Proven experience in working with entitlement programs and benefit eligibility.

* Familiarity with healthcare systems, insurance, and government entitlement programs.

* Skilled in utilizing database systems for tracking entitlements and benefit applications.

* Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

* Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for corresponding with various stakeholders.

* Ability to work collaboratively with patients, staff, and external organizations.

* Sensitivity and empathy in working with diverse patient populations and their individual needs.

* Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to advocate for patients' rights and entitlements.

* Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Teams, and Outlook.

* Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

About Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH):

Located on over 20 acres in Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) is part of an integrated network of effective, efficient, and culturally competent mental health services. It provides intermediate and long-term inpatient care for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who live in Massachusetts, as well as individuals requiring specialized court ordered evaluations.

WRCH provides inpatient services to 290 adults and 30 adolescents, inclusive of a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service program for 10 patients.

Learn more about WRCH:

DMH 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

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 Terrence Houston, Human Resources, at 508-368-3596.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or paraprofessional experience in social work or social casework, claims adjudication, job placement, recruitment, employment counseling, vocational or rehabilitation counseling, credit investigation, educational counseling, legal advocacy, or legal counseling.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

- A Bachelor's or higher degree 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.

LICENSES: 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 Class D 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?

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.

COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment.