Social Worker (MSW required)

Job Description

Job Description

Organization: Practice of Peace Foundation (POP)
Location: Freeman Residence Shelter, 999 Freeman Avenue, Bronx, NY 10459
Employment Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Salary Range: $65,000–$70,000 annually
Reports To: Site Director

Practice of Peace Foundation (POP) is a New York City-based nonprofit organization providing shelter, housing assistance, and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness across the Bronx and Queens. Through transitional housing, case management, and supportive services guided by the Health Realization Approach, POP works to promote stability, independence, and long-term well-being.

The Social Worker provides comprehensive social work services, psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, and individualized case management to residents of the Freeman Residence Shelter. This position supports individuals experiencing homelessness by identifying barriers to housing stability, coordinating essential services, and helping residents achieve greater independence and long-term housing security.

The Social Worker collaborates with case managers, housing specialists, site leadership, and community partners to ensure residents receive appropriate, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive services in accordance with NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) requirements and organizational policies.

Key Responsibilities:

Social Work & Resident Services

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to evaluate residents' emotional, behavioral, social, and housing-related needs.
• Develop individualized service plans that address mental health, housing stability, employment, financial challenges, and other identified barriers.
• Provide supportive counseling, crisis intervention, and appropriate social work services within the scope of the position and applicable professional licensing requirements.
• Assist residents in navigating personal, family, behavioral health, and social challenges that may affect their housing stability.
• Identify residents requiring additional mental health, substance use, or specialized services and coordinate appropriate referrals.
• Provide ongoing support and follow-up to monitor resident progress and address emerging needs.
• Promote trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and person-centered approaches to resident care.
• Advocate for residents and support their access to appropriate community resources and services.

Case Management & Housing Stabilization

• Collaborate with Case Managers and Housing Specialists to develop and implement individualized housing and service plans.
• Assist residents in identifying and overcoming barriers to permanent housing.
• Conduct regular case reviews and monitor progress toward established service and housing goals.
• Support residents with applications, referrals, documentation, and eligibility requirements for housing and public assistance programs.
• Coordinate referrals to healthcare providers, mental health services, substance use treatment programs, legal assistance, and employment resources.
• Support residents in developing independent living skills, financial stability, and long-term housing readiness.
• Participate in case conferences and multidisciplinary meetings to coordinate services and address complex resident needs.
• Assist with transition planning and follow-up services to promote successful housing placements.

Crisis Intervention & Behavioral Health Support

• Assess and respond to residents experiencing emotional distress, behavioral health concerns, or other crisis situations.
• Provide immediate supportive intervention, de-escalation, and appropriate referrals in accordance with organizational protocols and professional scope of practice.
• Identify potential safety concerns and collaborate with site leadership and appropriate professionals to coordinate necessary interventions.
• Support residents experiencing trauma, grief, family conflict, or other significant life challenges.
• Work with external behavioral health providers and community organizations to facilitate access to specialized care.
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold ethical social work practices when supporting vulnerable populations.
• Document crisis interventions, referrals, and follow-up actions in accordance with applicable requirements.

Community Resources & Service Coordination

• Build and maintain relationships with healthcare providers, mental health organizations, housing agencies, legal aid services, and community-based organizations.
• Identify available community resources and connect residents with appropriate programs and assistance.
• Coordinate services with external providers to ensure continuity of care and effective case management.
• Assist residents in accessing public benefits, healthcare coverage, employment assistance, and other supportive services.
• Participate in community partnerships and resource coordination initiatives that strengthen resident outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure comprehensive and coordinated service delivery.

Documentation, Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, timely, confidential, and organized resident records in accordance with DHS requirements, applicable professional standards, and POP policies.
• Document psychosocial assessments, service plans, case notes, referrals, crisis interventions, and resident progress.
• Enter and update required information in the DHS CARES system and other designated case management platforms.
• Prepare case summaries, progress reports, and other documentation as requested by site leadership.
• Ensure appropriate follow-up and documentation of resident service needs and referrals.
• Participate in internal audits, quality assurance reviews, and DHS monitoring activities as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident information in accordance with applicable privacy laws and organizational policies.
• Identify and communicate concerns related to service delivery, resident safety, or regulatory compliance through appropriate channels.

Professional Development & Team Collaboration

• Maintain current knowledge of social work practices, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, homelessness services, and available community resources.
• Participate in required DHS and POP trainings, including the Health Realization Approach.
• Attend staff meetings, case conferences, supervision sessions, and organizational training activities.
• Collaborate with Case Managers, Housing Specialists, site leadership, and other team members to support resident outcomes.
• Maintain professional and ethical standards consistent with applicable New York State social work requirements.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development activities relevant to the position.
• Assist with additional projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
• Experience in social work, case management, behavioral health, crisis intervention, or community-based human services.
• Knowledge of psychosocial assessments, individualized service planning, and trauma-informed care.
• Understanding of homelessness, housing instability, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and barriers affecting vulnerable populations.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to assess complex resident needs, provide appropriate interventions, and coordinate multidisciplinary services.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical standards.
• Demonstrated cultural competency, empathy, and commitment to serving diverse populations.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Flexibility to respond to evolving resident needs and shelter operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current New York State Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential.
• Experience working in NYC DHS-funded shelters, supportive housing, or homeless services programs.
• Experience providing crisis intervention, behavioral health support, or trauma-informed services.
• Familiarity with NYC DHS regulations, OTDA requirements, and community-based housing resources.
• Experience using the DHS CARES case management system.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish or another language commonly spoken by the populations served.

Schedule & Work Conditions

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
• Work Arrangement: Fully on-site at the Freeman Residence Shelter.
• Flexibility: Occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required based on resident needs and shelter operations.
• Work Environment: The position operates within a 24-hour shelter environment serving individuals with diverse social, behavioral health, and housing needs.
• Physical Requirements: Responsibilities may include extended computer use, walking throughout the facility, navigating stairs, responding to on-site situations, and occasionally handling materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable law.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful completion of applicable background checks, reference checks, fingerprinting, and other legally required screenings.
• Completion of applicable child welfare clearances when required by the program and assigned duties.
• Verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States.
• Compliance with applicable mandated reporting obligations and resident safety protocols.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality requirements, including applicable HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, DHS, and organizational privacy policies.
• Compliance with POP's Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct, Anti-Harassment Policy, and other organizational policies.
• Completion of all required DHS and POP trainings within established deadlines.
• Maintenance of any professional credentials or licenses required for the position, where applicable.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000–$70,000 annually, based on qualifications, experience, internal equity, and applicable program funding.

Eligible employees may receive the following benefits, subject to applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements:

• Medical insurance with multiple plan options.
• 100% employer-paid dental insurance.
• 100% employer-paid vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, and sick and safe leave.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Equal Employment Opportunity

Practice of Peace Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Employment decisions are made based on job-related qualifications and organizational needs, without discrimination based on any characteristic protected under applicable federal, New York State, or New York City laws.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Information

This job description outlines the general responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Practice of Peace Foundation may modify job responsibilities, reporting relationships, schedules, and work assignments based on organizational, programmatic, and contractual needs, consistent with applicable law.

Employment is at-will, and continued employment is subject to applicable organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and program funding.