Clinical Service Authorization Specialist

Job Description

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 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 Employment & Staffing at 1 (800) 510-4122, Option 4.

Qualifications

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

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE:

At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience as a clinical social worker after earning a Master's degree in social work.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

- A Doctorate in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, or human services may be substituted for 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.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

A Master's or higher degree in social work is required.

LICENSES:

- Licensure as a Licensed Certified Social Worker or 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!

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.

Client-provided location(s): Amherst, MA

Job ID: Commonwealth_of_Massachusetts-250006LB

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2025-09-16T18:34:35