Social Service-Senior Social Worker

Social Worker II-Valley Lodge PATH Program

The Social Worker II works as part of the social service team at Valley Lodge, a shelter for homeless older adults. The position reports to the Clinical Coordinator or Director of Social Services, while working closely with the Housing Specialist and community providers.

The Social Worker is an exempt employee who is required to have a Masters’ Degree. They are expected to work autonomously while developing 1:1 relationship with the participants. The Social Worker will provide a comprehensive range of social work services with the aim of helping participants transition from the shelter to permanent housing and work with the participant to solidify community resources in their new home to enhance housing stability.

• Participate in Intake process of prospective participants
• Assist participants in obtaining and maintaining entitlements.
• Assist participants in obtaining and maintaining home care where appropriate.
• Assist participants in establishing and/or maintaining family and social relationships.
• Assist participants in participating in socialization activities.
• Provide individual and/or group counseling as needed.
• Assist participants with money management as needed.
• Follow up with resident and other service providers during hospitalizations and/or short-term rehabilitation placements.
• Assist participants in obtaining and maintaining appropriate medical and mental health services.
• Work with the Housing Specialist and the participant on options for permanent housing and assist with obtaining documents for housing applications.
• With the Housing Specialist participate where needed in housing interview process.
• Oversee the discharge planning process for participants as applicable, including the completion of all necessary discharge forms and/or applications to other facilities.
• Once participant is housed, coordinate transition to other community services and related supports.
• With the housing specialist, act as liaison with landlord and assist participant with meeting lease obligations including rent and voucher requirements.
• When resident has moved into their own apartment, meet with them at least 1/month face to face and preferably at their apartment. At least once quarterly meeting at apartment.
• Escort participants to appointments as needed.
• Provision of crisis intervention services as needed.
• Work cooperatively with other staff members
• Share information about resident progress, needs, and problems with other staff as appropriate, guided by the WSFSSH Confidentiality Policy
• Complete Incident Reports as assigned
• Develop and maintain competency in software and data bases as required
• Implement emergency procedures as necessary
• Attend supervision meetings, team meetings and staff meetings
• Uphold standards of diversity, equity and inclusion in provision of services
• Maintain thorough case records, including case notes, support plans and psychosocial histories within the time frames required by WSFSSH and the contract/regulatory agencies where applicable
• Assume on-call responsibilities
• Complete reporting requirements to contract/regulatory agencies
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• MSW required or MA in human services field
• 3+ years’ experience with older adults, and people with mental illness and/or substance use issues preferred. Experience with adults who are homeless preferred.
• Fluency in written and oral English required
• Spanish speaking preferred
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate good clinical judgment
• Willingness to travel to various locations within NYC
• Strong computer and organizational skills
• Is an effective team player who can collaborate and communicate with other staff and community providers.