Social Worker, Older Adults

Position Title

Social Worker

Department

Older Adult Centers (OAC's)

Site/Location

Supports: Borinquen Court, Melrose and Patterson Older Adult Centers

Salary Range

$70,000


Reports To

OAC's Department Director/Social Services Department lead

MISSION STATEMENT

East Side House cares for the individuals, families, and communities we serve by expanding opportunities to live more fulfilling lives through education, career, and supportive services.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/ Objective

East Side House (ESH) is a community resource in the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. We believe education is the key that enables all people to create economic and civic opportunities for themselves, their families, and their community. ESH's Older Adult Programs aligns with our mission by providing high quality programs and services within community centers and school partnerships.


Reporting to the Department Director, the Social Worker provides a variety of social, protective, and supportive services in a non-medical care setting. The Social worker is responsible for the oversight in helping members access resources and programs, such as benefits and entitlements, including Medicare/Medicaid, SCRIE, and SNAP. As a member of the Older Adult Center team, the Social Worker will collaborate with the Program Directors and Case Workers to assist older adults who need referrals to appropriate resources in the community and to provide wraparound case management services. The Social Worker will also bring in resources and partnerships that benefit members.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Department Director, the Social Worker will be responsible for but not limited to the following:

• Meet monthly client service goals and keep record in Vive.
• Supervise Case Workers and Social Work interns when assigned to Older Adult Centers.
• Review and finalize all case notes submitted by Case Workers.
• Assess to determine social service needs and create person centered plan of care; follow-up accordingly until issues are resolved and needs are met.
• In collaboration with Case Workers, conduct intake and assessments of the older adults to be enrolled in the Department for the Aging (DFTA) Older Adult Center program.
• Guiding staff in regard to mental, emotional and behavioral health concerns and making referrals where appropriate; intervening as needed.
• Conducting assessments, planning, evaluation, and advocacy for options and services to meet the program participants needs through communication and available resources to promote quality, cost-effective outcomes.
• Use validated tools to screen consenting members for mental health symptoms and re-screen members at appropriate intervals.
• Attends in-service and professional development trainings as assigned by ESH and DFTA.
• Provide supportive counseling to participants in crisis; make mental health referrals when necessary.
• Make referrals to APS when there is elder abuse, neglect or danger.
• Make referrals to appropriate community partners when participant is in need including, home health care, meals on wheels, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
• Assist with crisis or conflict that may occur at the center; complete incident reports.
• Assists with program assessment, preparation, and follow-ups; Assess centers social service and wellness needs, to provide workshops/activities or bring in appropriate services.
• Make recommendations related to methods to promote engagement to increase program participation.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with residents and their families and aids when needed.
• Encourage members at risk of isolation to attend activities and events at center; assist with events as needed; Check in on members who are hospitalized or temporarily homebound; provide updates to staff.
• Provide community referrals for participants and family as needed. Follow up on referrals to determine outcomes and help resolve barriers. Provide linkage between participant/family and community resource.
• Updates the community resource guide used for referral.
• Establish linkages with outside agencies for services needed by members, serve as a link between participant, center and community agencies. Request presentations where appropriate.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

To perform this position successfully, the Social Worker must be able to fulfill all the elements of the job description to the highest standard and be able to work well with colleagues in a high energy and collaborative work environment. Additional qualifications include:

Education / Experience

• MSW (LMSW preferred)
• 2-5 years case management experience and working with older adults
• Ability to meet goals in a timely manner
• Crisis intervention skills
• Understanding of older adults, minorities and disadvantaged groups
• Willingness to stay current in the field by attending trainings, seminars, and relevant community events
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and assess priorities and actions.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Thorough understanding of DFTA policies and procedures.
• Have an understanding of the older adult population with the ability to communicate effectively with them in a caring non-prejudice manner.
• Effective communication skills, including strong public speaking, writing, and organizational skills.
• Sify Certification
• Bi-lingual (Spanish preferred) a plus

Competencies

• Teamwork Orientation
• Ability to work autonomously
• Communication Proficiency
• Time Management
• Relationship Building/Customer Service/Client Focus
• Attention to Detail
• Organization skills

Clearance

Employees must be cleared to work at ESH. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks and/or screenings.

Supervisory Responsibility

OAC's Case Wokers


Physical Demands

This role may involve occasional lifting or moving of items up to 25 pounds and routine use of standard office equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Expected Work Schedule
The work schedule expected for this position is: 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday - Friday. Flexible work schedule is required for Summer Cooling center days/hours, as aligned to the needs of the program/service. The schedule may be adjusted based on ESH's operational needs, with notice provided whenever possible.

EEO Statement

East Side House (ESH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.