Social Worker (MSW)

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Urban Resource Institute (URI), a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization established in 1980, operates shelter, legal and job training programs for domestic violence victims, residential and vocational programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. With a $70-80 million annual budget with over 600 staff by the end of the year, URI promotes safety, justice, health, and independence for vulnerable individuals and families residing in New York City.

The Social Worker is responsible for direct service provision to shelter residents.  Direct services include hotline assessments, case management services, individual counseling, group facilitation and counseling, advocacy services, referrals and follow-up, mental health assessments and referrals, and coordination of medical and financial services.  The Social Worker must demonstrate sensitivity to issues related to domestic violence, and be able to coordinate linkages to community agencies to assist clients with public benefits, permanent housing, and vocational and educational services. URI acknowledges that our clients reflect a diverse group of constituents in terms of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, socio-economic class and place of birth. Given this, the Social Worker in conjunction with all shelter staff are responsible for promoting cultural competency throughout all DV programming. In doing so, this position assists in the program’s strategic efforts to ensure the provision of client-centered, trauma-informed quality services to survivors and their children.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS, EDUCATION & ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
• Provide direct, client-driven, comprehensive case management services to help clients resolve or mitigate barriers to securing and maintaining safe and appropriate services.
• Assist clients to develop client-driven goals, and safety, housing, financial and self-sufficiency plans that are solution-focused and based on clients’ strengths.
• Develop and monitor individualized service plans for the client with short and long-term goals, and assist clients in accessing services.
• Facilitate educational groups and workshops for clients on skills to maintain safety and understand the dynamics of domestic violence.
• Conduct intake interviews to assess callers for eligibility for shelter.
• Engage residents in initial and ongoing services, through individual and group supportive counseling and safety planning.
• Develop and maintain housing referral resources, and assist residents in the process of locating and securing permanent housing, in partnership with the housing specialist, where available.
• Identify appropriate community resources and assist residents by providing information, advocacy and referrals to address the families’ individualized needs.
• Assess residents’ vocational and educational needs, aptitudes and interests, and identify and coordinate appropriate referrals.
• Assist residents to understand, secure and maintain public benefits, including cash assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid, by providing education and direct advocacy.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) with at least one (1) year of counseling experience, preferably in a residential shelter.
• One (1) year of crisis counseling experience, preferred in a residential shelter for victims of domestic violence, and experience and demonstrated skills in group counseling.
• Must have training and experience in assessing the vocational and educational needs and aptitudes of clients, experience engaging clients through the process of obtaining Public Assistance, Medicaid and other benefits.
• Must be knowledgeable and sensitive to domestic violence issues.
• Must possess a demonstrated ability in delivering client services including communication and listening skills, understanding of human interaction and personality development, the ability to write and record case documentation, and demonstrated skills in group counseling.
• Employee must be computer-literate and must have knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications.
• Must have the ability to be flexible with schedule as needed.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.

Interested candidates may forward a copy of their resume to careers@urinyc.org for consideration.

Urban Resource Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.