At a Glance
- Tasks: Evaluate urgent calls and document critical information to protect children from abuse.
- Company: Join Judge Baker Children's Center, dedicated to promoting mental health for children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, comprehensive training, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your skills in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree in human services or related field is required; experience with children is a plus.
- Other info: Work evenings and weekends; essential role during emergencies.
Location: Remote with occasional in-person meetings; candidates must reside in the New England area (preferably MA, RI, NH).
Position Type: Full-Time
Summary of position:
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 and may require work during weather-related and other local, regional or statewide emergencies.
What's in it for me?
- 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.
- Ensures confidentiality and a high level of customer service in all interactions. Maintains a professional and non-judgmental demeanor.
- Facilitates DCF interventions and coordinates DCF requests.
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Work or in a relevant field is required.
Experience:
- 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.
Training:
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Word is required.
- Proficiency toggling between multiple technological programs is required.
- Excellent customer service and writing skills required.
Logistics
License/Certification: N/A
Salary: $24.00 per hour
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 at bakercenter.org/benefits.
Diverse and multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 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.
Telephone Screener employer: Judge Baker Childrens Center
Contact Detail:
Judge Baker Childrens Center Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Telephone Screener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) policies, especially the Protective Intake Policy and Missing or Absent Child Policy. Understanding these will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're serious about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have working with children and families, whether through paid positions or volunteering. Be prepared to discuss specific situations where you made a positive impact, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills, particularly in a customer service context. As a Telephone Screener, you'll need to engage effectively with callers, so consider role-playing scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your availability for evening, overnight, and weekend shifts. Since this role requires flexibility, showing that you're open to working during these times can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Telephone Screener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Telephone Screener. Familiarise yourself with the Massachusetts Child Abuse Emergency Line and its importance in protecting children.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in human services or social work on your CV. Emphasise any previous roles where you've worked with children or families, as well as your understanding of DCF policies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for child welfare and your ability to handle sensitive situations. Mention specific skills like excellent customer service and writing abilities that are crucial for this role.
Proofread Your Application: Ensure that your CV and cover letter are free from errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for the Telephone Screener position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Judge Baker Childrens Center
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a Telephone Screener does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as evaluating calls and documenting information accurately. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion for Child Welfare
Express your genuine interest in the welfare of children and families. Be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have, whether through work or volunteering. This will show that you align with the mission of the Judge Baker Children's Center.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations related to child protection and emergency response. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, focusing on your decision-making process and ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
As a Telephone Screener, excellent communication is key. Be ready to showcase your customer service skills and your ability to document information clearly. You might be asked to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles.