Social Worker, BIVO Cure Violence Program

Social Worker

CAMBA is a community of staff, volunteers, clients, donors, neighbors and partners who work together to build an inclusive New York City, where all children and adults have access to the resources and supports they need to thrive. We take a comprehensive approach by offering more than 180 integrated programs in: Education & Youth Development, Family Support, Job Training & Employment Support Services, Health, Housing, and Legal Services. We reach more than 72,000 individuals and families each year at our 100 locations, including 10,000 youth. CAMBA serves a diverse cross section of New Yorkers from new mothers in Brownsville to job seekers in the Rockaways. More than half of our clients are immigrants and refugees from around the globe. Over 85% of our families live in poverty, reflecting the challenges faced by nearly 1.7 million New Yorkers today.

The Social Worker will report to the Program Manager and will be located at 1667 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212. The Social Worker will work in the Cure Violence Program, which focuses on a defined area in Brownsville, Brooklyn for shooting violence within the 73rd Precinct. The program works to prevent gun violence by mediating conflicts, changing the thinking of individuals at risk of violence, and working closely with local partners to promote a community-wide message that shooting is unacceptable behavior.

What The Social Worker Does:

• Invite/persuade referred clients to schedule initial appointment with Counselor.
• Plan/Conduct family or support system meetings.
• Provide on-the-spot services to Brownsville Families during MTU (Mobile Trauma Unit) Canvassing.
• Screen families/victims for social services interventions.
• Coordinate services and provide feedback.
• Assist clients in attaining their goals by identifying and locating community resources for clients and by making referrals to appropriate services both within and outside CAMBA.
• Plan and conduct monthly workshops for BIVO participants (self-management, coping with loss, etc).
• Review all documentation establishing clients' eligibility for program.
• Provide a range of "instant response" services when a participant's immediate well-being and safety is threatened.
• Assist clients in completing all CAMBA intake applications and forms.
• Create and maintain client files and make file copies.
• Conduct initial assessment of clients and/or clients' families.
• In collaboration with clients, prepare initial service plans, including short-term and long-term client goals.
• Consult with others both inside and outside of CAMBA to determine causes of client problems and effect solutions.
• Act as advocate on behalf of clients and/or client families' to arrange for medical, psychiatric, educational and other tests and examinations that may disclose causes of client difficulties and indicate remedial measures.
• Attempt to alter clients' and their families' attitudes and behaviors that cause or aggravate problems.
• Provide all required information for weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual reports.
• Lead group counseling sessions to enhance social development and psychological education of individual clients and provide peer support.
• Monitor clients' progress toward their goals via regularly scheduled telephone contact and/or face-to-face home and office visits.
• Write a psychosocial assessment for all long-term clients or when appropriate.
• Periodically reassess clients and update services plans and goals to reflect current status.
• Follow-up with clients for a period of time after successful completion of their primary goals to assure client stability (aftercare).
• Recommend closing of cases in which clients have: (a) achieved primary goals and have maintained stability for a period of months; or, (b) have not demonstrated a willingness to participate in the process (lost-to-service); or, (c) have become ineligible for services (e.g. moved out of area).
• Ensure that all clients' charts contain all required documentation.

Education/Experience Required:

• Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW or LCSW) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and 2 years' experience working with urban youth (preferably in Brownsville) required. LCSW preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Equally at home conversing with gang members, community activists, law enforcement personnel, and public officials.
• Subject to a criminal background check and random drug testing.
• No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse or domestic violence or history thereof.
• Strong knowledge of the Brownsville community.
• Familiarity with Brownsville 73rd Police Precinct community challenges of teens and young adults there; strongly preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including morning, evening and weekends as needed.
• Must have understanding of, sensitivity and commitment to working with families of youth that have experienced gun related trauma.
• Counselors should be prepared for various outdoor weather conditions during their regular workday.

Compensation: $75,000 - $90,000 annually. Benefits: CAMBA offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, paid time off (vacation, personal, and sick time), and paid holidays.