Description

The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) invites applications for an experienced clinical social worker to join the faculty. This full-time faculty position will serve as a key member of our dental school community, supporting dental students’ understanding and application of behavioral science principles to oral healthcare, while also providing direct clinical care/care coordination services to GSDM patients to address psychosocial barriers to care. The faculty member will also supervise Boston University social work students in practicum placements at GSDM and will hold a joint appointment (rank commensurate with experience) with the Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW).

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Social Work Services:
Provide psychosocial assessments and interventions for patients in the dental school’s clinical setting, addressing the variety of factors (socioeconomic, physical, behavioral, cultural) that may affect patients’ dental care and treatment.
Work closely with faculty, dental students, and clinical teams to identify and address barriers to care, including anxiety, trauma, and other psychosocial barriers.
Support patients facing challenges related to financial, family, and medical issues, offering care coordination and connecting them to resources such as housing supports, food assistance, and healthcare.
Collaborate with BUSSW faculty and Practicum Education Department to identify and/or develop educational and professional opportunities for students.
Education and Supervision:
Collaborate with other faculty members to enhance the behavioral science curriculum and integrate that didactic content into patient care within the GSDM dental clinic.
Provide lectures and seminars to dental students on topics such as psychosocial aspects of dental care, effective patient communication, cultural sensitivity and competence, and working with patients with disabilities, special needs, or complex social situations.
Participate in clinic and grand rounds to discuss complex patient cases.
Support dental students' application of the behavioral science curriculum to patient care and assess their competency in this area through formative and summative evaluations.
Supervise BUSSW students in their practicum placements at GSDM, providing guidance, mentorship, and feedback on their practice.
Train and support social work students in developing competencies in the integration of social work principles with dental care.
Evaluate and assess the progress of social work students, providing evaluations and conducting regular supervision to ensure educational goals are being met.
Research and Scholarship:
Contribute to the academic communities of the University and Schools of Dental Medicine and Social Work through research, publications, and presentations at conferences.
Explore funding opportunities for research or initiatives that aim to improve the integration of social work in dental education and practice.
Administrative and Program Development:
o   Contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and programs that address the psychosocial needs of dental patients.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
Licensed Social Worker (LCSW or LICSW) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or eligibility for licensure within a reasonable period.
Minimum of 3-5 years of post-MSW professional experience in a clinical or educational social work setting, with experience in healthcare or dental settings preferred.
Strong understanding of the psychosocial factors that influence health behavior, particularly in the context of health care.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment, with experience mentoring or teaching students.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to work effectively with diverse patient populations, dental professionals, and community organizations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Doctoral degree in social work or a related field.
Experience working in a dental school or similar academic healthcare environment.
Familiarity with social determinants of health and their impact on access to care.
Experience in program development, research, or public health initiatives related to dental or healthcare social work.
Knowledge of local and national community-based resources and services for underserved populations.