Social Worker (MSW required)

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary
Practice of Peace Foundation (“POP” or “the Organization”) is a New York City-based nonprofit corporation operating shelter sites and a community resource room across the Bronx and Queens in service of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The Organization integrates transitional housing with mental health services delivered through the principles of the Health Realization Approach. The Director of Social Services oversees all programmatic and case-management activities at the Freeman Residence Shelter, including supervising social-services staff, developing and implementing resident service plans, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting residents’ social, emotional, and practical needs. This role works closely with the Site Director and Facility Manager to ensure services are delivered effectively in a safe and supportive environment. The Director of Social Services is responsible for social- services programs only and does not supervise operations staff.

• This position operates within a DHS-funded shelter environment and is governed by DHS Case Management Guidelines, 18 NYCRR Part 491 and/or Part 900 as applicable, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, the New York State Education Law governing the practice of social work, and all other applicable laws and POP policy.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties are essential functions of the position within the meaning of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New York State and New York City Human Rights Laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions, except where doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Organization. The list below is representative and is not intended to be exhaustive.

Program Oversight

• Oversee all social-service programs, including case management, housing assistance, employment support, mental health and substance use services, and resident enrichment programs.
• Develop, implement, and monitor program policies, procedures, and service standards in compliance with DHS, OTDA, and other applicable regulations.
• Ensure services are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and aligned with best practices for homeless and at-risk populations.

Staff Supervision

• Supervise, train, and evaluate the Case Manager Supervisor, Housing Specialist, Case Manager, counselors, and interns.
• Provide coaching and professional development and conduct regular staff meetings and case conferences
• Ensure social-service staff refer income-based and long-term clients to the Housing Specialist weekly and that each staff member submits the required number of housing applications per week.
• Review cases weekly with staff to discuss case findings, move-outs, and incident reports.

Resident Support, Compliance & Reporting

• Oversee resident intake, assessment, and individualized service and housing planning.
• Monitor residents’ progress and address barriers to permanent housing, employment, or health services, providing guidance on complex or crisis situations.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation in CARES, prepare census and housing placement reports for DHS, and participate in audits and Quality Assurance reviews.
• Build and maintain relationships with housing authorities, healthcare providers, legal aid, and employment agencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Site Director.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must satisfy the qualifications set forth below. POP reserves the right to determine, in its sole discretion, whether a candidate’s education, credentials, and experience satisfy the requirements of this position.

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), Psychology, Counseling, or a related human-services field preferred; Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in social services, case management, or program management.
• Supervisory experience managing social-services staff strongly preferred.
• Experience with homeless populations, immigrants, or individuals with mental health/substance use challenges highly desirable.
• Knowledge of NYC social-services regulations, DHS/OTDA policies, and community resources preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills; excellent written and verbal communication.
• Knowledge of case-management practices, social-service systems, and program evaluation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case-management software (CARES).
• Commitment to trauma-informed care and culturally competent practices.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This is an on-site position at the Freeman Residence Shelter, 999 Freeman Avenue, Bronx, NY 10459. The position is regularly scheduled Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, POP shelter sites operate twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, and the schedule may include evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require. The assigned work location, schedule, reporting relationships, and specific duties are subject to change in the sole discretion of the Organization in response to programmatic, funder, and operational needs, with or without prior notice.

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws.

• Ability to sit and use a computer workstation for extended periods (up to six (6) hours per shift).
• Ability to traverse the shelter facility, including climbing stairs to access multiple floors.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to twenty-five (25) pounds (e.g., supplies, donations, files).
• Ability to respond physically to crisis situations, including standing, walking, or moving rapidly through the facility as required.
• Ability to communicate clearly in person, by telephone, and in writing in English.
• Reasonable likelihood of exposure to a shelter environment serving individuals with complex behavioral health, substance use, and medical conditions, which may include occasional exposure to verbal conflict, emotional distress, or communicable illness. Use of universal precautions and personal protective equipment is required as appropriate.

Conditions of Employment

Employment in this position is contingent upon, and continued employment requires ongoing compliance with, the following:

• Pre-Employment Screening. Successful completion of a criminal background check, fingerprinting (in accordance with applicable DHS and New York State requirements), reference checks, and any other screening required by law or by POP’s funders.
• Child Welfare Clearance. For positions involving direct contact with children or with families with children, clearance through the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR), pursuant to Section 424-a of the New York State Social Services Law.
• Work Authorization. Verification of identity and employment eligibility in accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and the federal E-Verify program.
• Mandated Reporting. Pursuant to New York State Social Services Law §§ 413 and 473, the Director of Social Services is a Mandated Reporter and shall report suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the Statewide Central Register, and suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of vulnerable adults to Adult Protective Services (APS), in accordance with applicable law and POP policy.
• Confidentiality. Strict maintenance of the confidentiality of all client, personnel, and proprietary information in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, New York Mental Hygiene Law, DHS confidentiality requirements, and POP’s Confidentiality Policy.
• Policy Compliance. Compliance with all POP policies and procedures, including, without limitation, the Conflict of Interest Policy, Code of Conduct, Anti-Harassment Policy, and all applicable federal, New York State, and New York City laws and regulations.
• Training. Timely completion of all DHS-mandated trainings (via the Absorb Learning Management System or successor system) and all POP-mandated trainings, including training in the Health Realization Approach. Credentials. Maintenance in good standing of any credential or license required for the position (any required clinical credential, if applicable), and prompt notification to POP of any change in credential or licensure status.

A failure to satisfy or maintain any of the foregoing conditions, or any material misrepresentation in connection with the application or employment process, may result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination of employment, subject to applicable law.

Compensation & Benefits

In accordance with New York State Labor Law § 194-b (Pay Transparency Law), the annual salary range for this position is $65,000 – $70,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, internal equity, and applicable program funding.
Eligible employees may participate in the following benefit programs, subject to plan eligibility requirements, applicable waiting periods, and the terms and conditions of the governing plan documents:

• Medical insurance, with multiple plan options
• Dental insurance, 100% employer-paid
• Vision insurance, 100% employer-paid
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contribution
• Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, and sick and safe leave in accordance with applicable law
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The foregoing is a summary of available benefit programs and does not create any contractual right to any benefit. All benefit programs are governed by the applicable plan documents, summary plan descriptions, and Organization policies, which control in the event of any inconsistency with this summary. Practice of Peace Foundation reserves the right, in its sole discretion and consistent with applicable law, to modify, amend, suspend, or terminate any benefit program, in whole or in part, at any time and with or without notice.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Practice of Peace Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital or partnership status, caregiver or familial status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), military or veteran status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, citizenship or immigration status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking, arrest or conviction record (consistent with applicable law), or any other characteristic protected by federal, New York State, or New York City law.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York State Human Rights Law, and the New York City Human Rights Law, the Organization provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their position, except where doing so would impose an undue hardship. Applicants requiring accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources. Individuals from historically underrepresented communities, individuals with lived experience of homelessness or recovery, and individuals eligible for participation in the New York City 55-a Program are encouraged to apply.

General Provisions

• Nature of Job Description. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an individual assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, working conditions, or qualifications associated with the position, and is not a contract of employment or guarantee of employment for any specific term.
• Reservation of Rights. Practice of Peace Foundation reserves the right, in its sole discretion and consistent with applicable law, to modify, add to, or eliminate any of the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, work location, schedule, reporting relationships, compensation, or benefits described in this job description at any time, with or without prior notice, to meet the operational, programmatic, and contractual needs of the Organization.
• At-Will Employment; Funder Requirements; Governing Law. Employment with the Practice of Peace Foundation is at-will. Either the employee or the Organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice, subject to applicable law. No statement contained in this job description, in any employee handbook, or in any other Organization communication is intended to, nor shall it be construed to, alter the at-will nature of the employment relationship. This position is supported in whole or in part by government contracts and is subject to all applicable funder requirements, including those of the New York City Department of Homeless Services; continuation of the position is contingent on continued funding and contractual authorization. This job description and the employment relationship to which it relates shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles.