Job Description
Employment Opportunity
Social Worker (MSW)
Job Description:
Provide individualized assessment and interaction to referred individuals of all ages, who are blind/legally blind and reside, work or are enrolled in an education program within the eight counties of WNY to increase independence in accordance with the service plan and needs from a vision-based perspective
Essential Functions:
- Provide counseling and community linkages to individuals of all ages as referred to VIA
- Maximize the safety, functionality and independence of clients
- Assess the needs of the client, establish goals and lesson plans for achievement
- Document progress/outcomes and complete all reporting within established VIA and NYSCB contractual guidelines
- Maintain all electronic documentation in accordance with established guidelines for all assigned individuals
- Provide individualized, and/or in some cases group services, in individual’s homes, the community and/or center based in accordance to NYSCB contractual guidelines
- Provide short-term vision psychotherapy (SCW2) in accordance with NYSCB contractual guidelines (LMSW required)
- Facilitate adaptive adjustment to blindness through short-term behavioral therapy, vision adjustment counseling, community resource linkages and assisting clients in obtaining and maintaining benefits in accordance to NYSCB contractual guidelines
- Prepare paperwork and lesson plans, and prioritize cases based on assessment’s identified goals and needs
- Provision of 1:1, family and group counseling as needed and in accordance with NYSCB contractual guidelines and refer for continued care when appropriate
- Provide continuous and regular visits to meet identified goals and achieve successful outcomes
- Complete all reporting and data entry to both internal and external databases in accordance with established guidelines, including case closure in timely manner
- Communicate regularly and effectively with clients, teachers, parents, VIA and NYSCB staff to ensure successful outcomes
- Develop and implement curriculum for summer youth programs
- Maintain a thorough knowledge of community resources
- Attend conferences, seminars and trainings related to the provision of Social Work
- Complete and submit applications for benefits and social services as needed
- Acquire appropriate CEUs in order to maintain LMSW Licensure
- Works closely with BSW; provides assistance and support as needed
- Attend and be prepared for all NYSCB, departmental and VIA agency meetings
- Lead and/or participate in the development of special programs or projects at the direction of the Vice President or Assistant Director of Rehabilitation Services
- Act as Mandatory Reporter if necessary and complete annual on-line training certification
- Provide instruction to students attending Workforce, Onsite, YES or any VIA program as directed
- Sit on agency or external collaborating agency committees acting as a liaison to inform staff on external organizations/policies as ell as keeping other agencies informed on VIA
- Participate and provide supervision to UB MSW student interns
Competencies:
- Proficient in use of MS Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet along with general applications
- Demonstrate excellent internal and external customer service
- Caring and counseling skills with an ability to balance agency policy with the individual perceptions and sensitivity of clients
- Demonstrate patience, flexibility, and detail orientation in completion of duties
- Effectively work with individuals of diverse backgrounds
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in a fast paced environment
- Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and development
Qualifications:
- Completion of MSW Degree required
- LMSW required for provision of short-term psychotherapy (SCW2)
- NYS driver’s license and reliable transportation OR the ability to travel effectively within assigned geographic area required
- Regularly lift and carry equipment of 15 pounds or more
- Regularly sit for a minimum of 2 hours at a time
- Regularly stand for a minimum of 2 hours at a time
- Regularly perform repetitive motion of the wrists, hands and/or fingers