Community Resource Specialist

The Resource Specialist is an integral part of the Program for Substance Use and Addiction Services (PSAS), which includes an inpatient Addiction Consult Team, a Bridge Clinic, and emergency department-based substance use disorder care at MGH. The primary responsibility of the Resource Specialist is to work as part of a collaborative care team with social workers, recovery coaches, physicians, and nurse practitioners, to facilitate a variety of referrals across all levels of the addiction treatment care continuum, as well as other community-based services.

• Work with PSAS clinicians and staff to assist with patients' connection to a broad range of levels of care for addiction treatment; take direction from team medical and clinical leadership as appropriate to optimize patient care. Ensure integration of care and effective utilization of resources through review of documentation, discussion with providers and patients.
• Collaborate and consult with patient, families, professionals, and providers within and outside of the hospital to develop and implement inpatient, post hospital, and outpatient care.
• Assists patient to identify their personal interests, goals, strengths and weaknesses regarding recovery, promote self-advocacy and help identify and barriers to care
• Make referrals to all levels of care by providing clinical information and documentation to support patients' transfer to other facilities. This may include drafting letter of engagement and preparing information to fax, copying portions of the medical record, and scheduling intake appointments for patients. It will also include arranging outpatient follow-up appointments for patients , which may include helping the patient connect to community providers (opioid treatment program, primary care, therapy, intensive outpatient treatment, or psychiatry) and to inpatient placement (ATS & CSS)
• Providing individual assistance to individuals/families in accessing a variety of public services including financial and medical assistance and housing, including assistance on an emergency basis and directly helping to meet needs for food, shelter and clothing.
• Complete follow up phone calls to patients to ensure a successful transition to the treatment organization in the disposition plan.
• Compile and organize treatment resources that are easily accessible to PSAS care team members. Provide expert consultation to staff as needed to identify appropriate resources to support treatment plan.
• Assist with administrative duties and data entry, especially related to patient disposition plans.
• Attend and participate in interdisciplinary and staff meetings as needed.
• Provide education and information about available resources and SUD and Harm reduction services and explore patients' goals of care and provide support to lower barriers to help them to achieve those goals.
• Provide flexible support and ongoing engagement to patients when goals of care shift or plans need to be altered
• Work collaboratively with PSAS clinicians to identify supports needed to manage conditions and assist with access to available services.
• Understand financial services and self-pay resources and provide patients with information as needed
• Conduct post discharge follow ups to assess appropriateness of patient placement, monitor engagement and stability, collect data about community programs, and share information about transition with rest of team
• Adhere to federal and state policies and ensure appropriate releases are obtained to exchange and disclosure necessary patient information. Abide by HIPAA and 42-CFR guidelines.
• Provide cross coverage for staff members as needed
• Perform all other in scope tasks which would help facilitate the flow of patients or enhance the quality of care
• Document each in person and phone communication related to patient coordination of care into MGH Electronic Medical Record. Effectively utilize the Electronic Medical Record to share care and communicate with other care providers as needed.
• Acquires and maintains valid certification in First Aid and CPR in order to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the program and to comply with state and federal staffing requirements
• Perform other duties to support patient clinical care needs as directed

The position requires a high degree of flexibility, independence, and willingness to participate in multiple activities that provide support to both patients and caregivers.

The position requires strong communication skills and the ability to converse comfortably with patients and their caregivers, as well as with clinical and administrative staff.

• High school diploma required
• At least 2-3 years of work experience in the mental health care field, especially with substance use disorders, preferred
• Excellent interpersonal, collaborative, customer service and advocacy skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent judgment and ability to work independently in a unique position
• Flexibility and resourcefulness as well as strong assessment and problem-solving skills
• Strong computer skills
• Familiarity with addiction treatment, systems of care, and community resources