Telephone Screener

Telephone Screener Job Title

Telephone Screener

Remote with occasional in-person meetings; candidates must reside in the New England area (preferably MA, RI, NH)

Full-Time

The Baker Center for Children and Families (also known as Judge Baker Children's Center), promotes the best possible mental health of children and families through the integration of research, intervention, training, and policy.

The Massachusetts Child Abuse Emergency Line (Emergency Line), operated by The Baker Center for Children and Families (The Baker Center), on behalf of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), is a statewide emergency response system dedicated to ensuring the safety and protection of children from abuse and neglect across the Commonwealth. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, the Emergency Line provides critical services, responding to more than 70,000 calls each year.

Emergency Telephone Screeners work closely and collaboratively with supervisors on shift to evaluate the urgency of each call, elicit critical information, and initiate an emergency response when children are at risk of abuse or neglect. Telephone Screeners engage with callers to collect detailed information, thoroughly and accurately document information through comprehensive written reports in the electronic case management system and collaborate with team members to review and assess the gathered information.

Based on these assessments, Telephone Screeners make informed clinical screening decisions.

A Bachelor's degree in human services, social work or related field, is required. Candidates must reside in the New England area.

Telephone Screeners work evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays, when DCF is closed. This is considered an “essential employee” position may require work during weather-related and other local, regional or statewide emergencies.

• The opportunity to protect children's lives throughout Massachusetts, working in a supportive and collaborative work environment with other enthusiastic, talented, hard‑working individuals!
• Continuous training and individual supervision with a Licensed Social Worker (LSWA, LCSW, LICSW) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Complete an intensive comprehensive 6-week training program, followed by monthly workshops on a variety of topics related to Emergency Line work.

• Ability to work five 8-hour shifts per week staggered between 4:00pm to 9:30am weekdays; staggered shifts throughout the weekend, and one overnight shift per week.
• Engages with callers to gather the facts and elicit information needed to complete reports and memos.
• Completes detailed, accurate, and thorough case reports, internal logs, and memoranda. Documents information thoroughly and accurately in the case management system.
• Review and assess information gathered with supervisors to make an informed decision.
• Exhibits a thorough understanding of the terms and policies related to screening as outlined in the DCF Protective Intake Policy and ability to critically apply policies to screening decisions.
• Exhibits a thorough understanding of the terms and requirements included in the MA DCF Missing or Absent Child Policy.
• Ensures confidentiality and a high level of customer service in all interactions. Maintains a professional and non-judgmental demeanor.
• Facilitates DCF interventions and coordinate DCF requests.

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Work or in a relevant field is required.

• Experience working or volunteering with children and/or families.
• Demonstrates interest in the welfare of children and families.
• General understanding of DCF's mission, vision, priority objectives, priority population, and familiarity with relevant DCF policies and procedures is preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Word is required.
• Proficiency toggling between multiple technological programs is required.
• Excellent customer service and writing skills required.

(Cover letter, and a recent resume required for consideration.)

N/A

$24.00 per hour

Open continuously

We offer Medical (Blue Cross/Blue Shield), Dental and Vision options; 50% discount on monthly MBTA passes, immediate enrollment into retirement, with company contribution (4%) and match up to (4%) after 2 years of employment. We offer opportunities to get involved in various department/organization improvement committees and activities. For a full list of benefits please visit our website /benefits

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.