Job Description
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a dynamic, service-minded professional to fill the role of Substance Use Coordinator. The selected candidate is responsible for the DCF Regional/Area efforts to address substance use/misuse within the child welfare system. Their primary role is to act as a consultant to the Regional/Area DCF staff to build capacity and expertise in the field of substance use disorders and to create linkages to the substance use provider community.
Please Note: The position officially reports to Central Office but will be based in the Western Regional Office in Springfield and will cover the Western Region.
The Central Office Substance Use Unit Manager assigned to the Western Region will provide supervision for this position. The coordinator will also function as part of the DCF Statewide Substance Use Unit and will receive clinical and technical support as part of the Unit. There is a common vision and mission for all Substance Use Coordinators.
Want more jobs like this?
Get jobs in Boston, MA delivered to your inbox every week.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Provide case consultation to assigned Area Offices.
- Implement capacity building activities related to substance use/misuse and impact on child welfare within their assigned RegionArea Offices.
- Provide resources, support and training to increase staff knowledge related to substance misuse, substance use disorders and impact on children and families. Participate in new or ongoing projects and grants related to substance use/misuse in child welfare.
- Partake in RegionalArea team meetings - including CQI teams, family group conferencing, and other clinical meetings.
- Participate as part of the Statewide Substance Use Unit to assist with all unit members continuous learning as well as shaping policy and providing best practice guidelines to the field.
- Work with community-based substance use providers to establish working relationships between the provider and the local DCF Area Office. This includes improving communication with the provider, developing protocols to improve access to services for DCF clients and to streamline service provision. Provide cross training as necessary to local substance use providers
- Participate in RegionalArea interagency or community-based substance use or child welfare meetings.
Required Qualifications:
- Experience with the child welfare system.
- Experience with community development and cross-systems collaboration.
- Ability to manage multiple job tasks and set priorities.
- Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral expressions.
- Capacity to interact effectively with individuals at all levels within an organization
Preferred Qualifications:
- Extensive knowledge in substance uses disorders and the substance use treatment continuum in Massachusetts.
- Licensed professionals are encouraged to apply, particularly Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors.
- A bachelor's or master's degree in human services, social work, or a related field.
- Extensive knowledge in substance uses disorders and the substance use treatment continuum in Massachusetts.
- Licensed professionals are encouraged to apply, particularly Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors.
- Ability to manage relationships both internally and externally.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Teams, and Outlook.
About the Department of Children and Families:
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCF's vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care and education.
DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency and well-being of the Commonwealth's children by stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care, when necessary, safely reunifying families; and when necessary and appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values: 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and 6) committed to continuous learning.
For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dcf
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 ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form
For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: Four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in social work, social casework, health care administration, public health, program administration, hospital administration, or program management.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- A bachelor's degree in social work, health care administration, hospital administration, public health, health services administration, or vocational rehabilitation may be substituted for two years of the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
- A master's or higher degree in social work, health care administration, hospital administration, public health, health services administration, or vocational rehabilitation may be substituted for an additional year of 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.
LICENSES:
Based on assignments, 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 work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
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.