The Court Social Worker is a Bachelor's Level Clinician based full-time onsite in the Springfield District Courthouse, primarily serving adults appearing in Hampden County's Springfield District Arraignment Court at the initial court hearing/initial detention stage to prioritize and expediate treatment and recovery services. Additionally, the Court Social Worker is responsible for post-court follow-up to facilitate warm hand-offs and help ensure successful follow-through with services. The Social Worker works closely with the BHN's Project HOPE Outreach Team, the Co-Response Team, BHN Mobile Crisis, and the Springfield Police Department.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS *
Before Arraignment Court Session, works with probation and attorneys to identify adults likely eligible for access-to-care services
Meets with eligible participants to introduce services and offer enrollment before or immediately after their arraignment
Before or post-arraignment, screens for and triages immediate treatment and/or resource needs, including those addressing imminent risks (Overdose, Harm to Self or Others, Community Safety, etc.)
Conducts psychosocial assessments and obtains required releases to communicate with the court and other external stakeholders on a need-to-know basis.
Shares both treatment/service recommendations and options with participants and collaborates with them on an initial service plan to include facilitation of prompt access to care.
Shares agreed upon treatment and service recommendations with the Court as well as progress on accessing and engaging in services, if required and with appropriate, signed BHN releases,
Assists participants with referrals, access to care/services, including transportation and care coordination
Builds linkages with and engage with community-based service providers to help enhance the success of participant
Helps ensure participants are integrated with ongoing community and recovery supports
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Participates in weekly calls with the Community Care Coordinator (in Springfield Police Department)
Attends monthly HCAT meetings
Attends Hub & Core meetings when meetings re-start
Supports the continuing development of Arraignment Court wraparound services
Collects and enters data to support program evaluation and research conducted by UMASS Chan Medical School and the City of Springfield;
Maintains HIPAA-compliant clinical documentation, including biopsychosocial assessments, mental health and substance use disorder screens, contact notes, Safety/Relapse Prevention Plans as needed, and service and discharge plans.
Helps track COSSUP grant deliverables
Participates in regularly scheduled BHN Multidisciplinary Team meetings to inform well-coordinated care
PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Counseling Psychology, or a related field (Required)
Additional LADC II or CADAC certification, a plus
Experience (preferably 3-5 years) working with adults with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders
Minimum 1 year experience working with adults experiencing chronic homelessness (Required)
Strong familiarity with and working knowledge of Hampden County resources to support community stability and recovery (Required)
Knowledge of evidence based and trauma-informed approaches to substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health disorders and recovery and ability to support recovery in partnership with court and law enforcement personnel
Experience working in the courts, a plus
Bi-lingual Spanish, a plus
Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as within a multidisciplinary treatment team
Exceptional organization skills (Required)
Able to work collaboratively on a multidisciplinary team (Required)
Willing/able to travel (Required)
Valid Driver's License, good driving record, and access to a reliable vehicle (Required)