The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a dedicated Benefits Eligibility and Referral Social Worker (C). This role will serve as the backbone of our department, ensuring patients receive the support they need to access vital entitlements and benefits. Your primary responsibility will be to liaise between various departments, providing crucial entitlement information to streamline patient care processes. In this role, you will be the bridge between patients and their entitled benefits, assisting them in navigating complex procedures with empathy and expertise. From aiding in benefit eligibility assessments to guiding patients through the application process for essential documents like birth certificates and Mass Health, your dedication will directly impact patients' well-being. With a focus on maintaining accurate databases and correspondence, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless coordination within our healthcare system. Your commitment to treating every patient with dignity and respect will shine through as you advocate for their rights and needs, contributing to an environment of compassionate care. Join us in making a difference in the lives of those we serve. _ Please Note:_The schedule for this position is Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday off. _ Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):_ * Support the activity and work of the Hospital Administration Clinical Social Work Department by providing entitlement information to need-to-know departments. * Support the work of social work staff by assisting patients in obtaining entitlements and other identified documents. * Obtain information for benefit eligibility and provide information to the appropriate staff and departments. * Assist patients in applying for Mass Health. * Track entitlements and benefit applications submitted. * Maintain databases and benefit information. * Assist patients in applying for birth certificates as needed. * Provide correspondence to organizations, departments and staff as needed. * Treat all patients with dignity and respect through interactions which affirm the individual’s needs and preferences and by optimally integrating the patient’s perspective into all facets of care; advocate for patients, facilitate timely resolution of patient concerns and assists patients in the exercise of their rights. __ _Preferred Qualifications:_ * Proficiency with MS Office including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. * Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency. _About Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WHRC):_ Located on over 100 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, inclusive of a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service, and 30 adolescents on the ACCU. _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-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 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 Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 EXT 4. /Learn more about our important work://www.mass.gov/dmh/ First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: At least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional 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 two years of 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 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! 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. *Job: Community and Social Services *Organization: Department of Mental Health *Title: *Benefits and Eligibility Referral SW (C) Location: Massachusetts-Worcester - 309 Belmont Street Requisition ID: 240005AA