Social Worker (MSW)

Social Worker

Compensation: $59,000 annually plus a robust benefits package, including health coverage, retirement plan with match, generous paid time off, commuter benefits and much more. Required Language Proficiency: English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese).

WHO WE ARE: Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) is a comprehensive community development organization based in New York City. For more than a half-century, AAFE has advanced racial, social, and economic justice for all, regardless of background. AAFE is an innovative nonprofit organization guided by the belief that people can only thrive when they have access to safe and stable housing, essential social services, and resources to achieve economic mobility for their families. Programs and services include affordable housing development and management, an array of community services, and small business financing and training. AAFE maintains offices in Chinatown and the Lower East Side (Manhattan) and Flushing and Jackson Heights (Queens).

WHY WE NEED YOU: The Social Worker serves AAFE's mission to empower immigrant communities by providing clerical and administrative support to office operations, direct client services, homelessness prevention and community outreach in Chinatown in Manhattan. The full-time staff social worker supports areas where there may be an increased service demand or during staff leaves of absence. This position may include a variety of short-term projects and collaboration with internal volunteers, interns, and external community-based partnerships.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide front desk coverage to direct office traffic and phone inquiries.
• Provide administrative and clerical support, advocacy, and follow-up services for clients with healthcare and social service and housing issues.
• Develop a service plan that prioritizes client's needs to resolve presented issues.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to resolve issues related to healthcare, medical billing, and government benefits.
• Provide support in case note writing, data entry, and client file maintenance.
• Maintain and update both client files and digital records in the funder database system and/or internal database accurately and timely as required.
• Assist Program Managers and Program Directors in preparing regular reports to funders.
• Provide interpretation for clients and counselors as needed.
• Assist in community outreach, tenant organizing, and mutual aid activities.
• Assist in community workshops, tenant association meetings, and tenant leadership training. Duties include but are not limited to material preparation, client invitation, event logistical support, and post-event follow up.
• Represent AAFE by participating in community events and promote AAFE services.
• Support other programs as needed.
• Assist with general administrative tasks, scheduling, and maintaining an organized and welcoming office environment.
• Participate in department and staff meetings, training, and organizational activities.
• Share light chores to maintain organization and neatness in the office.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS: This is a full-time onsite position based in AAFE's Chinatown location, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM with lunch from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM, including possible short-term projects at our other offices or off-site. Weekend and evening hours are occasionally required for community outreach and professional training.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Bilingual/Fluent in English/Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese).
• Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) is required.
• 2 years of experience in social work.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated attention to detail and focus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and social media platforms.
• Strong analytical, verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to present information to a diverse client base- specifically racially, ethnically, and socially diverse.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive materials and information.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple complex projects.

EXPECTATIONS & HOW WE WORK: We believe that the people and the communities that we have the privilege to serve, deserve our very best every day. We are a results-driven organization that focuses on inclusiveness, empowerment, and impact. AAFE employees are accountable, collaborative, and strong communicators with a core strength of community service and development. We are strategic thinkers who are committed to racial equality and treating each other, and the communities we serve, with respect and dignity. We have an aptitude for technology and a strong desire to continuously learn. This philosophy expands to the way we manage our work and the way we put our best foot forward. All employees are expected to adhere to the following:

• Ensure compliance with all grant/contract requirements.
• Provide quality customer service to both internal and external partners and co-workers.
• Work as part of a team in supporting other AAFE program contracts and projects.
• Support efforts that ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
• Understand and embrace the value in collaborating with people of different cultures, races, genders, ethnicities, beliefs, experiences, and ideas.
• An understanding of the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities.
• Maintain a positive, helpful attitude.
• Enjoy your time at work!