Senior Clinical Evaluator – Justice Involved

Under the general supervision of the Director of Justice and Health Equity, or designee, the Sr. Clinical Evaluator is responsible for completing clinical evaluations for justice involved individuals by conducting face to face evaluations, thorough medical record reviews, and collateral stakeholder clinical interviews, in accordance with diagnostic guidelines. This position ensures that individuals with behavioral health diagnoses, preparing for release from a correctional institution, receive a thorough evaluation and appropriate community level of care placement upon release. Works closely and collaboratively with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and Massachusetts Parole Board (MPB) teams to ensure that their policies, protocols and initiatives supporting those with behavioral health diagnoses are in line with the most current clinical guidelines. Ensures strong coordination and collaboration across internal departments and community based stakeholders within the behavioral health and justice fields. This position works with an emphasis on addressing health disparities for justice involved populations. They serve as the subject matter clinical expert who will work collaboratively with our clients and key stakeholders.

Ensures that efforts addressed at improving health equity, reducing disparities, and improving cultural competence are designed collaboratively with our Executive State Agency partners to have a collective impact for the population and that lessons learned are incorporated into future decision-making.
Upon receipt of referral conduct thorough chart reviews and in-person evaluations to validate current treatment plan and identify what level of care upon release to the community is the most appropriate setting and whether the individual has a need for specialized services.
Review and complete clinical assessment requests with specified timeframes.
Conduct completed evaluations prior to individuals releasing to the community under supervision; complete evaluations on individuals residing in the community when there are significant changes within their functioning that signify the need for an updated evaluation
Complete evaluations on an individualized basis, but in accordance with the most current clinical guidelines, regulations, and evaluative criteria
Communicate all evaluation findings to participants, EOPSS, MPB, community providers and support systems in an understandable manner and language
Communicate participants that identity a need for specialized services to the facility, agency, or referrals source, within appropriate timelines and data transmission policies
Contact providers, state agency offices, and community providers to obtain information and records needed to conduct a comprehensive clinical review of the case and final determination
Review and document all relevant information into data system applications in accordance with program guidelines and regulations
Ensure appointments, referrals, and connections are made with community provider entities to ensure successful reentry to the community, and providing a warm handoff to services.
Communicates regularly with MPB staff around clinical needs of participants and provides clarity around behavioral health
Maintain records documenting all participant encounters and contacts; write clinical summaries
Provides clinical training to MPB members around behavioral health needs
Ensures that MPB members have access and connections to community provider networks in order to efficiently manage their participants within the community
Prepare and respond to requests for statistics and resource/service data
Foster and promote continuity of care and cooperative partnerships by liaising with health care providers, acute care hospitals, substance use disorder programs, long term care facilities and other programs/organizations involved in the provision of services
Participate in public relations efforts, attending conferences and meetings as needed
Collaborates on initiatives requested by EOPSS and MPB to help improve services that are accessible to those that have been justice involved so they may improve community tenure and decrease recidivism.
Formulates strategies for the evaluation and continuous quality improvement of systems, policies and operational processes related to inclusion and equity to health care for underserve populations including those reentering the community post-incarceration.
Assesses organizational needs and develops and implements management tools and operational processes to assure appropriate, equitable and high-quality delivery of human service, public health and health care services to all.
Provides consultative input and strategic direction to EOPSS and MPB leadership in operationalization of services for justice involved populations including attention to: leadership; institutional policies and procedures; data collection and analysis; community engagement; language and communication access; and cultural competence, for both program services as well as operational functions such as operations, care delivery, communications and training. Provides information, resources, education, training, coaching and technical assistance to support implementation.
Develops strategies, resources, partnerships and initiatives to address disparate health and human service needs and to promote diversity, inclusion and equity across social determinant of health domains in collaboration with key administrators across state agencies, and regional, local and community partners for effective community engagement across program areas.
Maintain positive working relationships with participants, and relevant informal supports, provider organizations, program consultants and state agencies
Maintain the confidentiality of all business documents and correspondence per UMass Chan/ForHealth procedures and HIPAA regulations
Participate in performance improvement initiatives and demonstrates the use of quality improvement in daily operations
Comply with established departmental policies, procedures and objectives
Comply with all health, safety and program regulations and requirements

REQUIRED EDUCATION
Master's Level Degree or equivalent in social work; mental health counseling; related health and human services field; or equivalent.
REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE
5+ years of work experience with justice involved populations, providing direct service or case management to adults with behavioral health diagnoses.
5+ years of experience in a correctional healthcare setting, medical or clinical setting with knowledge of behavioral health terminology with a focus on justice involved populations.
Extensive experience with managing complex clinical caseloads and responsibilities
Relevant experience working with state and federal government entities.
Strong working knowledge of Mass Health and coverage as it relates to incarcerated or detained individuals.
Strong knowledge of correctional healthcare delivery systems and their policy development.
Experience with reentry initiatives with individuals who were incarcerated.
Demonstrated experience working with complex organizations.
Ability to multitask on large projects with multiple deliverables.
Delegate effectively, empower team members and flex style when faced with diverse teams; understand and effectively manage complex group dynamics and diverse perspectives.
Massachusetts licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Social Worker, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor or other licensed professional.
Holds self and others accountable for measurable, high- quality, timely and cost-effective results.
Demonstrates flexibility in response to changing environmental priorities.
Supports other team members by prioritizing and altering daily routines to complete assignments.
Participates in cross functional teams and works effectively with employees from diverse backgrounds.
Produces a consistently high volume of work that also meets quality standards.
Applies effective interpersonal and problem-solving skills when responding to clients.
Treats all internal and external clients with respect and courtesy.
Understands the needs and expectations of diverse clients and anticipates how to fulfill them.
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and competence when interacting with clients, fellow employees, and guests.
Takes personal responsibility applying proactive, solution focused approaches in responding to client needs.
Willing to travel throughout the state
Proficient in technology, systems and Microsoft Office
PREFERRED WORK EXPERIENCE
Experience with behavioral health populations
Experience in community mental health services and one of the following areas: Substance Use Treatment, Long-Term Care, Home Care, Rehab, and/or Disabilities
Ability to understand and utilize resources for problem solving, in order to deal with problems involving multiple variables, effectively prioritizing and executing tasks in a high-pressure environment.