Clinical Social Worker (D)

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking a licensed Clinical Social Worker D to serve as an Eligibility Assessment Specialist within the Area Office. This position plays a critical role in conducting assessments and clinical/documentary analysis to support Regional Eligibility Team determinations.

The Eligibility & Clinical Assessment Specialist works collaboratively with intake staff, families, community providers, medical professionals, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure eligibility determinations are completed accurately, consistently, and in accordance with DDS regulations and clinical standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

• (These duties are a general summary and are not all-inclusive.)
• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for individuals applying for DDS services.

Review psychological evaluations, medical documentation, educational records, adaptive functioning assessments, and other supporting clinical information. Will review, synthesize, and apply documented findings to DDS eligibility criteria and will provide additional suggestions needed for Regional Eligibility Psychologist’s determination

Interview applicants, family members, guardians, and collateral providers to obtain relevant social, developmental, and functional history, if needed after initial intake.

Prepare written clinical summaries and eligibility recommendations to the Regional Eligibility Psychologist based on DDS regulations and established criteria.

Present complex cases to Regional Eligibility Psychologist, Regional Director or statewide eligibility review committees as needed.

Provide consultation and assistance to Regional Eligibility Team regarding eligibility requirements and clinical documentation.

• Coordinate with schools, hospitals, community agencies, and healthcare providers to obtain necessary records.
• Ensure all eligibility determinations are completed within required timelines.
• Maintain accurate and confidential electronic records in DDS information systems.
• Participate in quality assurance activities, policy implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide education to families and referral sources regarding the DDS eligibility process.

Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and collaborate with service coordinators and clinical staff to support continuity of care.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting clinical assessments and psychosocial evaluations.
• Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and co-occurring behavioral and mental health conditions.
• Experience interpreting psychological evaluations, adaptive behavior assessments, and medical documentation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and report-writing skills.
• Excellent communication and interviewing abilities.

Schedule

Full-time – 37.5-hour weekly position.

Monday through Friday – 8:45 a. m. to 5:00 p. m.

Days off – Sunday and Saturday

About the Department of Developmental Services

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members.

DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports.

The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds

Pre-Hire Process

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry

Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

ADA Reasonable Accommodation

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4.

• ALL EMPLOYEES ARE PAID ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS AND MUST HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT.
• Ability to exercise sound clinical judgment while making objective eligibility recommendations.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and community service systems.
• Proficiency with electronic documentation systems and Microsoft Office applications.

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

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: At least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience as a clinical social worker after earning a Master's degree in social work. Based on assignment to second-level supervisory positions, at least one year of experience must have been in a supervisory capacity.

Substitutions

• A Doctorate in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, or human services may be substituted for the required nonsupervisory experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.

• No substitution will be permitted for the required supervisory 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

• Licensure as a 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 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!

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%25 of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.