Social Worker - Community Guardian Program

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

1d•$0 - $66,300

About The Position

The Social Worker will provide social services, advocacy, and support to vulnerable adults through JASA’s Community Guardian Program. 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 adults under court-appointed guardianship, protecting their rights and interests while promoting dignity, independence, and safe community living. The Social Worker oversees assigned cases throughout New York City’s five boroughs, conducts visits in clients’ homes, facilities, and communities, and coordinates with clients, families, community agencies, healthcare providers, legal services, and other professionals. The role also attends court hearings and community proceedings, responds to urgent situations, and may require work outside the regular schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

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.
Strong 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 effectiveness 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 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 that promote safety, stability, and independence.
Conduct in-home, facility-based, and community visits throughout New York City’s five boroughs.
Advocate for clients and ensure their needs, rights, and interests are addressed.
Consult supervisors about complex cases, high-risk situations, and circumstances requiring additional guidance.
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 the disbursement of JASA relief funds and client financial management funds.
Maintain accurate and timely case records, assessments, service plans, and related documentation.
Use HRA and JASA databases to enter client information, update 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 partners to address client needs and safety concerns.
Coordinate with professionals and agencies to support client protection, service delivery, and court-ordered actions.
Respond to urgent 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 providers to address crises and protect client well-being.
Be available to work outside the regular schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, when required.
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