Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Social Worker, titled Elder Justice Worker, provides direct services to older adults experiencing domestic violence, using a strength-based and trauma-informed approach. Responsibilities include intake, assessment, and case assistance such as screenings, benefit application support, client advocacy, referrals, and the development of safety and service plans. The Elder Justice Worker also facilitates support groups and conducts prevention and conducts education presentations and outreach activities. Experience working with domestic violence victims is highly relevant, as cases may involve ongoing safety risks and complex family dynamics.
Sunnyside Community Services, an innovative community-based, social service organization in Queens (10 minutes by subway from Grand Central), is seeking an experienced bilingual Spanish/English social worker to join Elder Justice program. The program provides services that prevent abuse from happening, protect older people from abusive situations, supports older people who have experienced abuse to help them recover, and preserve, promote, and empower the independence, choice, and financial security of the client.
SCS currently operates on a hybrid work model with three days in the office and two days remote.
Responsibilities
- Respond to new referrals, conduct intake and assessments, and develop individualized service and safety plans in a timely manner.
- Conduct home visits, office visits, or other safe, in-person engagements to support clients experiencing abuse.
- Collaborate with clients to create and implement short- and long-term interventions, including counseling, education about elder abuse and domestic violence supports, safety planning, and assistance with benefits.
- Connect clients to services such as mental health care, medical services, financial management, and legal assistance as needed.
- Facilitate support groups providing emotional support, empowerment, and education on elder abuse, domestic violence, and prevention strategies.
- Partner with program outreach coordinator to present educational workshops and trainings for clients, caregivers, professionals, and community groups to prevent elder abuse and promote safety.
- Conduct outreach activities throughout Western Queens to raise awareness of the Elder Justice Program and its services as assigned in partnership with the outreach coordinator.
- Provide referrals and support for family members to address risks in the household, including substance abuse treatment, mental health services, anger management, caregiver support, and domestic violence resources.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions and progress notes in NYC Aging-funded database.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Program Director.
Working Environment
In office, home visits, field-visits, and telecommuting when applicable. Sunnyside Community Services has a hybrid work schedule, three days on site, two days remote.
Physical Requirements
Bending, sitting, stooping, and standing, and walking up and down stairs.
Qualifications
- MSW with at least 2 years of experience providing direct services to populations experiencing trauma, violence, or abuse, including crisis intervention, and counseling.
- Experience working with older adults and their families, including elder abuse and domestic violence survivors, with knowledge of safety planning and trauma-informed interventions.
- Strong skills in assessment, case management, client advocacy, and facilitation of support groups or educational workshops.
- Knowledge of community resources, benefits programs, and legal protections for older adults and abuse victims.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and experienced with client databases.
- Ability to provide accurate documentation, manage multiple responsibilities, and work independently or collaboratively in home and office settings.
- Maintain client and agency confidentiality.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse clients, team members, and community partners.
- Bilingual Spanish skills a plus; candidates with other language skills are encouraged to apply.
Classification: Non-exempt – Full Time
Reports to: Program Director, Elder Justice
Salary: $55,000 – $58,000
SCS offers an excellent benefits package:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
Flexible spending account and transit checks
Employee Assistance Program
20 days of paid vacation and 12 paid sick days per year
10 paid holidays
6 personal/floating days
Life insurance
Long-term disability
How to Apply
Email a cover letter and resume to apina.smith@scsny.org. Please indicate “Elder Justice Worker” in the email subject line.
All positions at Sunnyside Community Services are filled without regard to race/color, religion/creed, national origin, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy-related condition or lactation, military/veteran status, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, sexual or reproductive health decisions, height, weight, status as a victim of domestic violence/stalking/ sex offenses, predisposing genetic characteristic, immigration or citizenship status, prior arrest or conviction record, credit history, salary history, unemployment status, pre-employment marijuana testing, union affiliation/activity, or for reporting or opposing discrimination on these bases or for reporting or opposing violations of workplace health and safety, pay equity or practices, or for participating in any internal investigation or any legally protected status listed in the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). All are encouraged to apply.
Sunnyside Community Services strives to address, explore, and educate all our stakeholders about the diversity of human experience and to advance and integrate racial equity and social justice into all organizational policies and programs. We believe that everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do for the organization, should feel equally involved and supported.
Sunnyside Community Services represents a commitment to considering the whole person and how systemic barriers and access to opportunities can affect their well-being.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer