Social Worker - Community Guardian Program

Jewish Association for Services for the Aged•New York, NY

15h

About The Position

The Social Worker provides social services, advocacy, and support to vulnerable adults through JASA’s Community Guardian Program. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the role assesses client needs, coordinates services, monitors safety and well-being, and develops individualized service plans. The position supports the rights and interests of adults under court-appointed guardianship while promoting dignity, independence, and safe community living. The Social Worker oversees assigned cases throughout New York City’s five boroughs, conducts client visits in homes and facilities, coordinates services and benefits, maintains case documentation, and represents the program at court hearings and community proceedings. The role also responds to urgent client situations and may require work outside the regular schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

A graduate degree from an accredited college or university, with an MSW or equivalent master’s-level degree in counseling, psychology, gerontology, or a related field.
Strong written communication, documentation, and recordkeeping skills.
Computer literacy and ability to learn and operate relevant software systems and databases.
Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills, including the ability to manage multiple cases and competing priorities.
Ability to travel throughout New York City’s five boroughs to visit clients in homes, facilities, or other residences.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and client advocacy skills, including ability to work effectively with clients, families, colleagues, and community partners.
Understanding and appreciation of how race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and individual values relate to serving clients and families from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to assess client needs, recognize potential risks, exercise sound judgment, and seek supervisory guidance when appropriate.
Flexibility to respond to emergencies and work outside the normal schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, when required.

Responsibilities

Maintain oversight of assigned clients and monitor their status, functioning, safety, and well-being.
Assess clients’ capacity to manage their affairs and identify risks such as financial exploitation, neglect, and other safety concerns.
Screen clients for program eligibility, triage emergency interventions, and assess immediate and ongoing service needs.
Develop and implement individualized service plans to address client needs and promote safety, stability, and independence.
Conduct in-home, facility-based, and community visits throughout New York City’s five boroughs.
Advocate for clients’ needs, rights, and interests.
Consult supervisors on complex cases, high-risk situations, and circumstances requiring additional guidance or intervention.
Identify community resources and coordinate referrals, including housekeeping, home health aides, public assistance, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, legal aid, protective services, and medical and psychiatric evaluations.
Screen clients for benefits, entitlements, and other available assistance.
Provide information, referrals, and guidance to clients, families, and other involved parties.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies, healthcare providers, and service organizations.
Monitor disbursement of JASA relief funds and client financial management funds.
Maintain accurate and timely case records, assessments, service plans, and other documentation.
Use HRA and JASA databases to enter client information, update case records, and document services.
Prepare and submit required reports, case records, and statistical information within established timeframes.
Use computers and mobile devices for case management, documentation, communication, and reporting.
Attend court hearings and represent the Community Guardian Program at community conferences, meetings, and related proceedings.
Collaborate with law enforcement, ACT/AOT teams, healthcare providers, and other community partners on client needs and safety concerns.
Coordinate with professionals and agencies to support client protection, service delivery, and court-ordered actions.
Respond to urgent client situations, including lack of heat, emergency medical or psychiatric evaluations, and emergency home care needs.
Assist with court-ordered protective actions and coordinate emergency interventions.
Work with supervisors and external service providers to address crises and protect clients’ well-being.
Be available to work outside the regular schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, when required for emergencies or program needs.
Participate in staff training and professional development activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage options
Employee wellness programs, including fitness initiatives and mental health support
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
403(b) retirement plan
Paid vacation time
Holidays and floating holidays
Paid time off for work-life balance
Training and continuing education opportunities
Career growth within the organization
Employee recognition programs