Provide on-site clinical services, crisis intervention, and mental health support to individuals experiencing homelessness within a shelter system. Collaborate with external healthcare providers and assist guests in navigating public benefits and disability systems.
Requirements summary
Requires a Master's degree in Social Work or a related field and licensure as an LMFT or LCSW (LICSW preferred). Must have experience working with high-acuity populations and expertise in co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
postgraduate degreeInterpersonal SkillsCase ManagementCommunicationPatient AdvocacyEmpathyTreatment PlanningCrisis InterventionRisk AssessmentDe-escalationSafety PlanningClinical AssessmentClinical ConsultationMental Health SupportRecord-KeepingBiopsychosocial AssessmentSubstance Use Counseling
Job description
Shelter Based Clinician
Mission Statement
Father Bill’s & MainSpring is committed to ending and preventing homelessness in Southern Massachusetts with programs that provide emergency and permanent housing and help people obtain skills, jobs, housing, and services. We help people who are struggling with homelessness or are at risk of homelessness to achieve self-sufficiency.
Father Bill’s & MainSpring is a growing and dynamic social service agency with particular expertise in emergency and permanent housing, job training and placement, and prevention services for individuals and families in need. Over the next five years, our strategic focus includes an increase in affordable, permanent supportive housing, a more efficient model of care for families experiencing homelessness, commitment to an enhanced delivery model to reduce the need for shelter, and improved community relations in order to achieve these goals. Our staff are thoughtful and caring individuals who share our passion for these ideals and creative approaches to helping people improve their lives.
We offer a generous benefits package and a comprehensive orientation and training program, as well as ample opportunities for advancement for qualified individuals who show a commitment to our mission.
Position Summary
The Shelter-Based Clinician (LMFT, LCSW, or LICSW) provides on-site clinical services within the shelter system to support individuals experiencing homelessness. This role delivers direct mental health support, crisis intervention, and clinical consultation to both guests and staff.
The Clinician plays a key role in bridging gaps between shelter operations, rehousing services, behavioral health care, and crisis stabilization. This position enhances the organization’s capacity to respond to complex needs, including co-occurring mental health, substance use, and medical challenges.
Requirements
Master’s degree in Social Workor related fieldrequired
Licensure (LMFT orLCSWrequired,LICSW preferred)
Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or similar high-acuity populations
Strong crisis intervention, assessment, and de-escalation skills
Experience with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
Essential Responsibilities
Respond to behavioral health crises in real time, supporting staff with de-escalation and guest stabilization
Benefits
Opportunities For Advancement
Generous Benefits Package
Orientation And Training Program
Conductcrisisrisk assessments, safety planning, and clinical evaluations
Provide immediate clinical consultation to staff managing high-risk or complex situations
Provide individual clinical support to guests, including those transitioning to and from psychiatric care and substance use programs
Complete biopsychosocial assessments to support referrals to higher levels of care
Develop andmaintaintreatment plans for applicable programs (e.g., CSP-HI participants)
Collaborate with outpatient providers, hospitals, DMH, detox programs, and other treatment partners
Support continuity of care across systems, ensuring smooth transitions for guests between services
Serve as a key point of contact for guests with the highest clinical and housing needs
Assistguests in applying for and navigating benefits and entitlement systems, including:
DMH services
SSI/SSDI
Other publicassistanceprograms
Support completion of disability-related documentation and applications
Prepare CoC Disability Verification Forms for LICSW review and approval
Complete clinical and program-related assessments, including:
Disability documentation
Risk assessments
Clinical notes andrequiredprogram documentation
Maintainaccurate,timely, and compliant clinical records
Support enhanced documentation expectations for programs such as
CSP-HI
Provide enhanced engagement and follow-up for:
Guests with extended lengths of stay
Individuals with high vulnerability scores (e.g., VI-SPDAT)
Add anadditionallayer of clinical support to complement case management and housing efforts
Provideadditionalclinical support to individuals in housing as needed
Skills & Competencies
Empathy: Anunderstanding and empathy for those dealing with homelessness and related issues.
Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations anddemonstratesgroup presentation skills effectively communicating the mission and goals of FBMS to volunteers,donorsand other constituents.
Record-Keeping: Routineclerical or record-keeping incidental to the essential responsibilities of the job.
Job
Knowledge: Possessesthe practical and technical knowledgerequiredon the job.
Attendance: Acceptableoverall attendance record, consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to managementdirectionandsolicitsfeedback to improve performance.
Reliability: Reliedupon regardingtask completion and follow-up.
Initiative: Seeksout new assignments and assumes additional duties when necessary.
Adherence to
Policy: Followssafety and conduct rules, regulations, processes and adheres to company policies.
Interpersonal
Skills:Demonstratesability to cooperate, work and communicate with co-workers, supervisors,subordinatesand outside contacts. Demonstrates strong customer service skills.
Other
Safety &
Security: Activelypromotes and personallyobservessafety and securityprocedures, anduses equipment and materials properly.
Travel: Localtravel may berequired. Valid driver’s license andgood drivingrecordrequired.
Physical
Demands: The demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. May require moving or lifting items weighing up to 20 pounds across office for various needs. The person in this position needs to move about inside the building to access file cabinets, office machinery, conductinspectionsetc.
Must be able to verbally convey detailed information or important instructions or ideas accurately or quickly. Must be able to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information. Average visual acuity is necessary.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee. Other duties as assigned may be part of the job.
Father Bill’s & MainSpring is an equal opportunity employer.
