Clinical Service Authorization Specialist

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a qualified Social Worker for the position of Adult Clinical Service Authorization Specialist (CSAS).  The CSAS will conduct assessments of Request for Adult Service applications for the Western Mass Area, utilizing sophisticated clinical skills regarding diagnosis and functioning.  Participation in the Area-wide Transition-age Youth committee and Section 3 Transfer committee is also expected. The incumbent will collaborate with many diverse stakeholders, both from within and outside of DMH. Principles of Recovery, Person-centered planning, and Race, equity and inclusion will be incorporated into all aspects of the job duties.

Please note: This is a full-time, 37.5 hour position.  The schedule is 9:00 a.m. - 5: 00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Days off are Saturday and Sunday.

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

• Implements standards for assessing requests for DMH services, utilizing clinical criteria established in DMH regulations.

• Ensures that Service Authorization operating procedures for Western Mass Area and Sites are consistent with DMH goals, based on principles of access and customer service, person-centered planning, and trauma-informed care.

• Assures adherence to DMH Guidelines, Policies and Procedures, including adherence to required timeframes for completion of authorization process.

• Evaluates applications in accordance with clinical criteria specified in DMH regulations, including criteria related to diagnosis, duration of mental illness, and to the individual’s functional impairments related to their mental illness. 

• Attends weekly clinical supervision meetings to review status of outstanding clinical decisions that are under review; includes CSAS staff, Area Medical Director, FTT, and Site office staff as needed.

• Collaborates with the Forensic Transition Team regarding DMH applications for individuals who are incarcerated.

• Consults with Area Medical Director through case presentation on all clinically and medically complicated requests for services, and for applicants aged 65 and older. 

• Reviews all requests for services for Chapter 688-referred young adults.

• Attends Area Transition Age Youth inter-departmental committee and Section 3 transfer committee.  Assists Area Medical Director with assessment of Requests for Transfer to a DMH continuing care facility.

   

   

Required Qualifications:

• Master's of Social Work (MSW)

• Ability to understand, explain and apply the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards governing Adult DMH criteria and community programs.

• Exceptional clinical skills including differential diagnostic understanding, and the capacity to assess functional impairments as they relate to a qualifying mental health diagnosis.

• Capability to communicate effectively in writing and oral expression and to gather information through interviewing, questioning, interviewing individuals, and examining clinical records.

• Skills in developing psychosocial evaluations, drawing conclusions and to making appropriate recommendations.

• Capacity to operate a motor vehicle

   

   

Preferred Qualifications:

• LICSW preferred, or ability to plan for future licensure.

• Thoroughness, independence, and excellent written and oral communication skills with proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

   

   

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and support to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and