Licensed Social Worker (LMSW) / Benefits Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

CABVI is seeking a Licensed Social Worker/Benefits Coordinator for our Syracuse location to provide a full range of psychological assessment, treatment planning and therapeutic mental health services for individuals who are blind and visually impaired.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Direct Case Management for CABVI Employees and consumers – complete intakes, secure appropriate funding sources, coordinate all rehab services and ensure a smooth transition to community-based services. Assist employees and potential employees in all areas of social services as it relates to employment, housing and relocation and barriers in employment. Ensure ongoing communication with the CABVI team.
• Assist blind and visually impaired consumers with social and job-related issues by providing benefit counseling, case management, and advocacy services.
• Work with CABVI’s social work team in securing community support that agency employees and consumers might need, such as completing applications for HEAP, SNAP and/or housing. Exploring transportation opportunities as needed.
• Complete Baseline Assessments and Social Casework Level 1 services for the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB). Recommend appropriate services once the assessment is completed. Explore entitlement assistance, housing opportunities, and provide case management services for the Social Casework Level 1 services. Provide social casework as needed for NYSCB Adaptive Living Program (ALP) consumers.
• Educate CABVI visually impaired employees about the potential impact employment may have on benefits. Teach them how to report income, track work related expenses, communicate with social security, how to maintain financial records and document income. Advocate for employees. Provide training and information to CABVI management as it relates to this topic. Work with the employee to submit to complete the aforementioned, until independence can be achieved.
• Work with SW Supervisor to ensure timely submittal and accuracy in reporting of all required documentation and reporting. Maintain and update backup documentation. Complete required filing. Work as a liaison with the payroll department.
• Collect consumer data through review of case history, staff consultation, interview and/or psychological testing.
• Selects appropriate treatment plan based on sound social work practice and medical plan guidelines.
• Deliver individual and group counseling, applying therapeutic treatment interventions.
• Review reliability and validity of treatment modalities; ensures QA/HIPAA compliance.
• Consult with related professionals and refers to community-based services as necessary.
• Present social work-related programs to staff.
• Remain current in profession through continuing education.
• As part of the vision rehabilitation team, actively participate in rehabilitation youth and adult development activities including adaptive sports and recreation

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's in social work required with a minimum of two years’ experience in human services. Certified NY State LMSW or LCSW required. Experienced with visually impaired population a plus.
• Knowledge of social security and other financial aid programs, such as HEAP and SNAP are helpful. Must meet the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, Department of Special Education and the Department of Health personnel standards.
• Primarily a position with travel required in the counties we serve.
• Must be available for evening or weekend agency related functions, which may be outside of the agency.
• Must be proficient with computer and typing skills.
• Must have ability to develop the consumer’s confidence and self-esteem. Requires excellent listening skills.
• Foster relationships within community organizations and networks. Must have ability to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Must be able to quickly and appropriately react to difficult situations and be able to coordinate multiple tasks and quickly resolve issues. Must be patient and empathetic. Must maintain strict adherence to CABVI’s mission statement and core values.
• Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their application to complex casework, groupwork, and community problems. Considerable knowledge of a wide range of behavior and psychosocial problems and diagnosis and treatment. Considerable knowledge of family and group \dynamics, a range of intervention techniques, governmental and private organizations, resources in the community, laws, regulations, and policies which govern the program, methods and principles of casework supervision and training. Skill in establishing rapport with a client and in applying techniques or assessing psychosocial, behavioral, and psychological aspects of client problems.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key job elements.

CABVI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) is a not-for-profit agency with professional and support staff who provide comprehensive vision rehabilitation programs annually to more than 2000 people who are blind and visually impaired in a nine-county area. We teach independent living skills, as well as orientation and mobility, and we offer low vision services, children’s services, and continually-expanding technology and employment programs. One facet of our employment services is Central Industries, the Association’s manufacturing division that helps support agency services. Our mission is to assist people who are blind or visually impaired achieve their highest levels of independence.

Company Description

The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) is a not-for-profit agency with professional and support staff who provide comprehensive vision rehabilitation programs annually to more than 2000 people who are blind and visually impaired in a nine-county area. We teach independent living skills, as well as orientation and mobility, and we offer low vision services, children’s services, and continually-expanding technology and employment programs. One facet of our employment services is Central Industries, the Association’s manufacturing division that helps support agency services. Our mission is to assist people who are blind or visually impaired achieve their highest levels of independence.