Social Worker

Volunteers of American Greater New York•New York, NY

25d

About The Position

The Social Worker provides assessment, crisis support, case management and short-term counseling services to shelter residents, including but not limited to those with acute behavioral health needs. The Social Worker manages a caseload of clients throughout their shelter stay, developing and coordinating work towards their Independent Living Plan goals. The Social Worker makes internal and external referrals and coordinates the efforts of each clients’ team towards the goal of securing appropriate permanent housing with all needed service in place to promote long-term stability. The Social Worker must ensure that clients receive appropriate, competent and professional information and advice, referrals and advocacy services to achieve successful outcomes. Empower Residence is a 24/7 transitional housing program for women, operating under HRA/DSS guidelines. As an enhanced shelter, we support residents facing challenges such as mental health needs, substance use, unemployment, and poverty. To learn more about the program, copy and paste this link into a browser https://www.voa-gny.org/services/housing

Requirements

Master's Degree in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling with the expectation that LMSW is acquired within 12 months of hire.
Knowledge of services, resources, benefits and housing options relevant to homeless and low-income New Yorkers.
Knowledge of behavioral health and mental health, classifications, trauma and treatment options and strengths-based, and recovery-oriented approaches; experience working with diverse client populations.

Responsibilities

Conduct intake and assessment process to orient each client to the program and produce a comprehensive assessment of client service needs
Develop with the client a mutually agreed-upon individual service plan reflecting assessment findings goals.
Update the plan with the client as required.
Meet regularly with the client to assist him/her in obtaining needed services/benefits to achieve their individual service plan goals.
Provide supportive counseling to strengthen his/her ability to make appropriate life decisions.
Complete required biopsychosocial evaluation for supportive housing coordinated entry.
Facilitate psychoeducation and therapeutic groups and workshops.
Provide crisis intervention support.
Coordinate shelter team working with each client to monitor and work towards ILP goals.
Document case management activities in accordance with agency and funder guidelines and procedures.
Collect service data and participate in evaluation and quality assurance activities.