Medical Social Worker
Worcester, Massachusetts
UMass Community Healthlink

Medical Social Worker (Travel/Contract)

Location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

• Provide behavioral health services including comprehensive client assessments, diagnostic formulation, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and care coordination.
• Engage clients in safety and crisis planning, perform de-escalation as needed.
• Travel required within a 35-mile radius to multiple locations; must be able to transport patients in personal vehicle depending on assignment.
• Flexibility in hours and willingness to float to all locations is essential.
• Weekend work as needed; 40 hours per week guaranteed.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Social Worker license in Massachusetts.
• Minimum of 1 year of social work experience within the last year.
• Master's degree in social work or related field.

Major Responsibilities

• Conduct initial comprehensive assessments including clinical interviews and collateral contacts.
• Develop diagnostic formulations and treatment recommendations.
• Create treatment plans incorporating client strengths, preferences, and goals.
• Provide crisis intervention and safety planning.
• Assess eligibility and medical necessity for services.
• Complete referrals and coordinate care as required.
• Document all service delivery activities per program standards.

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Background Check: 7-year criminal background check within 30 days of start, including SSN trace, county searches, national criminal search, sex offender search, and federal exclusions (OIG/SAM). Annual updates required for direct candidates.
• Education Verification: Third-party verification of highest completed education or transcript with graduation date.
• Physical Exam: Within 12 months of start, including physician statement of fitness to work without restrictions.
• Drug Testing: Within 30 days of start, including comprehensive drug panels.
• Immunizations/Vaccinations or Declinations (declinations not accepted for Pediatrics, Maternity, NICU):

  • COVID-19 (most recent vaccine or facility-specific declination)
  • Flu seasonal vaccine or declination (required during flu season)
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap
• TB Testing: Negative TB test or chest X-ray within required timeframes; TB questionnaire required annually.
• References: Two professional references within three years.
• Employment History: Application must include 7 years of employment history with explanations for gaps over 30 days.
• Skills Checklist: Required prior to start and updated annually as applicable.

Certifications & Competencies

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification or completion of equivalent on-site training module may be required.

Additional Notes

• Candidates must be able to pass required medication and telemetry exams if applicable.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing hours and locations are critical for success in this role.
• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic behavioral health environment requiring strong clinical skills, flexibility, and mobility within the Worcester area.