Social Worker

Position Summary

The Brook Supportive Housing Program has opportunities for Social Workers to join an established multidisciplinary team. The Brook permanently houses 189 residents; the majority are formerly street homeless and have serious mental and medical conditions (including HIV/AIDS) and substance misuse challenges. Social Workers are integral to our team and are responsible for helping chronically homeless individuals transition into permanent housing with supportive services. Our Social Workers provide direct clinical services to residents who have more intense psychiatric and behavioral health needs. They coordinate services that include medical care, psychiatric care, community living skills, financial management, information and referral, crisis management, supportive counseling and substance abuse treatment and referrals.

The Brook provides a high level of support to its Social Workers through weekly individual supervision, rounds, on-site trainings, and staff meetings. The Brook supports continuing education and career growth through individual and group supervision, as well as opportunities for earning Continuing Education Credits. Some evenings and weekends required. LMSW is required (MSWs are welcome to apply- however must obtain license within 3-6 months of hire). Spanish Bilingual preferred but not required. Opportunities for group work are also available as are LCSW qualifying hours.

Ideal candidate can demonstrate ability to work in partnership with residents from a strengths-based perspective, overcoming stigma, and navigating complex systems. Additionally, ideal candidate can adapt to an active environment, is exceptional with time management, has strong writing and communications skills, exhibits excellent attention to detail and remains a team player.

Qualifications

Master's degree in social work required
New York State LMSW certification required, or the ability to obtain license within six (6) months of hire
Proficiency in English required; proficiency in Spanish or another second language preferred
Strong oral and written communication, time management and organizational skills are necessary
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and other standard business technology is required

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Maintaining a caseload of 14-18 individuals with chronic homelessness history
Monitor and document client progress towards Treatment plan goals
Conduct regular case conferences with clients and service providers as needed
Conduct monthly home visits for caseload and field work with clients when needed
Assist with managing and directing all walk-in clients
Maintain familiarity with agency and city resources available to clients
Document progress notes for all encounters and services provided to clients
Participate in regular meetings, trainings and weekly supervision with supervisor and other support staff
Opportunities for clinical work through intensive case management, crisis counseling and substance abuse counseling
Opportunities to provide group counseling
Opportunities to earn LCSW and LMHC qualifying licensing hours
Perform additional duties as assigned

Program Specific Responsibilities

Provide direct services to clients, including engagement, intake, assessment, service plan development, referral, advocacy, therapeutic counseling, reassessment, and exit summaries
Manage a case load for a diverse client population
Monitor and document client progress toward service plan goals; document all interactions with, or on behalf of, clients
Provide group counseling as assigned by the program director
Teach parenting classes as required
Maintain familiarity with program resources available on- and off-site
Coordinate client services with mental health, medical, employment, educational, childcare and other social service providers
Review and sign off on service plans and psycho-social assessments as assigned
Conduct regular home and field visits as required
Conduct regular case conferences with clients and service providers as required
Assist with special projects as assigned including representing agency at inter-agency events
Act as program contact person for inquiries concerning clients
Assist with the supervision of paraprofessional staff
Supervise all office functions in the supervisor’s absence as assigned
Report to and meet with the supervisor on a regular basis
Complete program reports
Perform additional duties as assigned by manager

Skills/Abilities
Strong writing and oral communication skills
Strong presentation skills and ability to represent the agency at functions and meetings
Ability to collect and analyze client demographics and outcome
Excellent organizational and teambuilding skills
Ability to use a computer for prolonged periods
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
Ability to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time
Ability to climb five flights of stairs, if required to conduct home visits and/or fieldwork
Ability to bend and retrieve objects and/or documents
Ability to travel in the boroughs of New York City and its adjacent counties via public transportation
Ability to travel for a minimum of 1 mile within a reasonable amount of time and in all types of weather, including inclement weather, if required to conduct home visits and/or field work