Shelter Social Worker - New Reach

Company Overview:

As a long-time leader in Connecticut, New Reach hopes to now chart a new path by fundamentally shifting how our community manages and responds to the homelessness and housing insecurity crises. With increased focus on preventing evictions and providing long-term stability for those who are establishing their independence, we believe a true systems change is possible. We imagine a world where the need for shelter is minimal, because individuals and families are able to stay in their homes instead of being evicted and those who are struggling to make ends meet can get the help they need to maintain stability. We inspire lasting independence for all people affected by homelessness and poverty through a continuum of housing and support, using the most innovative, progressive, equitable and inclusive methods.

Primary Purpose:

The Social Worker will provide essential clinical assessment and support to our clients in the shelters. The Social Worker will be responsible for developing treatment plans for residents as well as conducting assessments.

Essential Functions:

• Develop treatment plans for all residents entering Martha's Place
• Referrals to MH/SA treatment programs and coordination of care
• May develop and conduct new treatment modules (i.e.- family therapy groups or parent trainings)
• Offers direct crisis intervention and prevention to homeless women residents at New Reach shelters
• Conducts biopsychosocial assessments, including in-depth mental health and substance abuse assessment on all shelter residents
• Participation in the development of client housing plans/goal planning with shelter staff and residents
• Conduct educational training programs to staff regarding issues of mental health and addiction
• Provides short-term individual counseling for clients in the shelter
• Assist residents in identifying specific goals including searching for permanent housing, employment, childcare or other service providers
• On-going client management, which includes housing plans, correspondence and case notes
• Writes progress notes and keeps accurate and current client records
• Conduct intake assessments as needed for any new resident
• Maintain open communication with Case Management team, relaying all issues and pertinent information
• Leads psychoeducational groups twice weekly
• Coordinates the participation of guest speakers in the groups i.e. workshops by qualified clinicians, speakers from community agencies, nursing/medical staff, etc.)
• Attends community education and advocacy meetings as needed
• Mandated reporter for child abuse.
• Responsible for completing and maintaining monthly DMHAS and internal reporting
• Supervise MSW intern, including weekly supervision and reviews of student action plans
• Serve as a trauma informed committee member
• Rotation of evening and weekend on-call responsibilities
• Assist with special projects and complete other duties as assigned by the Clinical Program Manager

Qualifications:

• Masters in Clinical Social Work or related field required
• Two years previous experience working with homeless adults or adults living in poverty preferred
• Experience working with homeless, HIV/AIDS preferred
• Familiarity with the physiological, psychological, sociological effects of drug dependence and mental illness
• Familiarity and training in conducting bio-psychological assessments
• Bi-lingual/Bi-cultural preferred
• Excellent verbal skills with an ability to write clearly and concisely
• Ability to work well with a team
• Strong advocacy skills required
• Strong computer skills required for database and Microsoft programs

Expectations:

• Have a solutions-based approach to presented problems.
• Be supportive, engaging and encouraging to peers and staff.
• Be adaptable to change and willing to take on more responsibility.
• Maintain strict confidentiality concerning any client's or employees' personal information, living information, and/or HIV status
• Provides a commitment to the values of New Reach: Professionalism, Integrity, Compassion and Initiative
• Adheres to all New Reach's Policies and Procedures

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The associate must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.