Library Social Worker

Buncombe County Government•Asheville, NC

2d•$26 - $31•Hybrid

About The Position

The Library Social Worker will work from Pack Memorial Library to serve as a liaison between library patrons and community agencies, offering assistance while working to connect individuals and families to broader support networks. Occasionally, you may meet with patrons at other branch locations. This role will help to provide information, support, referrals, and follow-through to people experiencing challenging life circumstances. The Library Social Worker will help patrons seeking community resources and social services such as mental health services, substance use services, housing services, food & educational resources, and more. This position will work closely with the library staff and the library safety associate using a community-based approach integrated with the Library’s mission, to build relationships with library patrons, assist with resources, to complement existing social services and address unmet community needs. The anticipated start date for this position is on or after Monday, August 10th. Purpose of the position: The purpose of this position is to provide direct social work services, case management, crisis intervention, resource navigation, and community outreach within Buncombe County Public Libraries. The Library Social Worker serves as a bridge between library patrons and community resources, helping individuals and families address social, behavioral, economic, housing, health, and other life challenges while supporting the library’s mission of equitable access and lifelong learning. This position works collaboratively with library staff, community partners, and service providers to enhance patron wellbeing and strengthen community connections.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) from an appropriately accredited institution; bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an appropriately accredited institution and one (1) year of directly related experience, or bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and two (2) years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their application
Knowledge of professional ethics, confidentiality requirements, mandated reporting obligations, and applicable federal and state laws governing social work practice.
Knowledge of crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, harm reduction approaches
Knowledge of community resources, public assistance programs, healthcare systems, behavioral health services, and housing resources
Ability to conduct initial psychosocial assessments with patrons to identify service needs, risks, strengths, barriers
Skill in conflict resolution, de-escalation, motivational interviewing, and change facilitation.
Ability to work collaboratively with library staff, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams
Ability to develop and deliver educational programs and training for library staff on mental health first aid, de-escalation techniques, and related topics.
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear written documentation and reports
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
Ability to be flexible and maintain a calm exterior in the face of crisis, change and/or stress.
Skill in establishing rapport with a client and in applying techniques or assessing psychosocial, behavioral and psychological aspects of client’s problems.
Ability to supervise, train, or instruct others; ability to train librarians in basic mental health first aid responses.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients as well as colleagues and civic, legal, medical, social and religious organizations.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work independently and effectively.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in public libraries, schools, community centers, healthcare settings, homeless services, or other community-based environments preferred.
English/Spanish bilingual speakers preferred.
Experience working with vulnerable populations, community-based services, behavioral health, housing services, crisis intervention, or resource coordination is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform trauma-informed, person-centered social work services to library patrons experiencing mental health concerns, substance use challenges, poverty, social isolation, housing instability, and other barriers to wellbeing.
Identify and engage with individuals who may benefit from social service support through outreach, consultation, or referrals by library staff.
Meet with patrons individually to conduct need assessments, determine appropriate interventions, facilitate referrals, assist with resource navigation, and/or provide information, advocacy, and support.
Directly assist in linking patrons to supportive services including mental health treatment, public benefits, employment resources, transportation, food assistance, housing assistance, healthcare, and other supports.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, and government service providers and represent the library to community groups when needed to address systemic issues and needs faced by at-risk library patrons.
Maintain current knowledge of local, regional, and state resources and associated eligibility requirements and processes.
Conduct outreach and host workshops/pop-ups to build trust and encourage service utilization among vulnerable populations.
Respond to patron situations that extend beyond routine library service needs, particularly those involving crisis, emotional distress, housing instability, substance use concerns, or other social service needs, and provide consultation, de-escalation support, and post-incident guidance to library staff.
Serve as a resource and model for library staff to work effectively with patrons experiencing life challenges using principles of trauma informed care, and provide guidance on appropriate responses to patron needs while promoting safety, dignity, and equitable access to library services.
Develop and facilitate staff training related to trauma-informed service, mental health awareness, crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and community resources.
Support the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that address community needs and improve access to services.
Maintain accurate and complete documentation of patron interactions, referrals, services provided, and outcomes in accordance with departmental policies and professional standards.
Assist Library Administration in identifying trends, unmet needs, and service gaps affecting library patrons and advise on potential solutions.
Assist Library Administration in developing or modifying appropriate polices and procedures to promote accessibility for vulnerable populations as needed.
Demonstrate a commitment to culturally competent practice and a positive public service perspective.
Perform other related duties as assigned.