Social Worker (Licensed) Adult Residential

The Jewish Board•New York, NY

About The Position

The Social Worker provides clinical intervention to residents in the Adult Residential Division, which supports Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing adults with serious and persistent mental illness in living in the community as independently as possible. The work uses a non-judgmental, harm-reduction approach and is guided by stable housing, cultural competence, an anti-racist lens, and respect for each individual’s dignity and recovery journey. As part of a therapeutic team, the Social Worker works with the agency’s medical, psychiatric, and psychology staff to ensure appropriate treatment interventions. The role includes carrying a caseload, engaging residents in assessment and recovery planning, providing counseling and safety planning, coordinating referrals and community services, advocating for residents, and maintaining timely documentation. The Social Worker also participates in team conferences, meetings, trainings, and program activities. The position requires fluency in American Sign Language and travel in the community.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work.
Fluent in American Sign Language.
Experience working with individuals living with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or trauma.
Knowledge of local and state health and human service systems and how to navigate them.
Familiarity with the effects of mental illness, substance use disorders, or trauma on individuals in the community.
Familiarity with the processes of stabilization and recovery and commitment to working with people with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, trauma histories, and/or homelessness.
Compassion, respect, patience, and empathy when working with vulnerable individuals.
Ability to remain calm in potentially stressful situations.
Strong engagement and assessment skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to communicate clearly, listen actively, and engage residents respectfully.
Initiative and ability to assess, initiate, and complete tasks independently.
Cultural sensitivity and professional, respectful interactions with residents and colleagues.
Problem-solving skills and ability to analyze situations objectively and identify solutions.
Ability to follow procedures, produce high-quality work, and attend to detail.
Ability to collaborate with teams and respond appropriately to constructive feedback.
Organizational skills, including time management, meeting deadlines, prioritizing competing demands, and flexibility.
Ability to identify potential crises, remain calm, and use or learn crisis de-escalation skills.
Good judgment in managing risk, ensuring resident safety, and recognizing situations requiring supervisor intervention.
Openness to working through an anti-racist lens and applying ongoing learning to support a diverse resident population.
Familiarity with the Windows environment and ability and willingness to learn new systems and application software.
Ability to read data and documents, including spreadsheets, reports, and electronic health records, in print and on computer screens; ability to input data into relevant systems.
Ability to travel in the community.

Nice To Haves

LMSW or LCSW certification preferred.
A minimum of one year of experience in Human Services preferred.

Responsibilities

Carry a caseload of residents and provide services within program regulations and the agency mission.
Complete intake, overall client, and risk assessments.
Evaluate and assess residents’ functioning and support them in meeting individual goals.
Develop person-centered, collaborative service plans and ensure residents complete and sign them according to regulatory guidelines and standards.
Interpret and explain agency policies and procedures to residents.
Develop safety plans.
Provide individual and family counseling.
Make referrals and coordinate services, including medical, mental health, substance-use prevention, and treatment services.
Advocate for residents with other service providers.
Link residents to community-based programs and collaborate with service providers.
Run groups under supervision, as applicable.
Participate in audit preparation.
Participate in weekly case conferences and intake, assessment, discharge, and follow-up conferences.
Participate in regular staff meetings and trainings; travel to offsite meetings and trainings when asked.
Participate in planning and execution of special and holiday events.
File incident reports as appropriate.
Complete regular and timely documentation of resident interactions, including progress and informational notes.
Facilitate monthly roommate meetings when appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned.