SCS is seeking a Social Worker for the Caregiver Supports Western Queens Program. The program provides information, referrals, counseling and respite to family caregivers – those family members or friends who are providing care to physically disabled or cognitively impaired seniors, grandparents caring for grandchildren, and seniors caring for a disabled adult. Respite service provides temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities on a limited basis and can include in-home care or adult day care services.
The Social Worker supports caregivers and care recipients by assessing needs, developing individualized care plans, and ensuring access to appropriate services and supports. This role provides ongoing guidance, counseling, and education to strengthen caregiver capacity, promote long-term planning, and enhance overall client well-being, and fostering engagement through support groups and training opportunities.
Responsibilities
- Conduct intake and assessment screening of both caregiver and care receiver, assessing mental and physical health needs and supports, and financial eligibility for benefits, entitlements, and respite services.
- Perform home visits to both caregiver clients and care receivers to evaluate unmet needs.
- Collaborate with the caregiver to develop a plan of care and implement constructive short and long-term interventions through counseling, education about caregiving supports, long-term planning, and assistance with benefits.
- Link caregivers to other service providers such as mental health, medical care, and financial management services as needed.
- Lead one or more support groups, providing emotional support and psychoeducation about various issues related to caregiving and self-care.
- Support and facilitate client training events that educate caregivers on topics that enhance their caregiving capacity, such as self-care, health and wellness, legal planning, and assistance with daily care needs.
- Provide timely documentation and maintenance of client files and progress notes.
- Coordinate client respite and supplemental service.
Qualifications
- MSW or equivalent preferred, or BSW/BA with at least 2 years relevant experience in social services; assistance with benefits a plus.
- Experience working with older adult populations and families preferred.
- Bilingual Spanish, Russian, Mandarin, or Cantonese fluency preferred.
- Must have strong computer skills including Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and experience with client databases.
- Ability to provide accurate and timely documentation required.
- Time management skills to coordinate multiple responsibilities and services.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, in both a home and office environment.
- Must maintain client and agency confidentiality.
- Effective communication with other team members, community agencies, and clients with diverse opinions, values, characteristics, and cultures.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
Office work will be at our location in Long Island City, with field work for outreach, and telecommuting when applicable. SCS currently operates on a hybrid model with three days in the office, and two days remote. This is subject to change. Some weekends and evenings hours for support groups and events.
Salary: $51,000 – $52,000
Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Program Director
Benefits Package
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
403(b) retirement pension plan with employer contribution
Flexible spending account and transit checks
Employee Assistance Program
10 paid holidays
One sick day per month
20 vacation days per year
Six personal/floating days
Life insurance
Long-term disability
How to Apply
If you would like to join our team, please forward a cover letter, resume, and salary requirement with subject line “Social Worker – Caregiver Support, Western Queens.” to Katie Hine at khine@scsny.org.
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 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