Residential Social Worker
DIVISION: Social Services/Family Connections
PROGRAM: Street Outreach/Transitional Living/Extended Housing Programs (SOP/EHP/TLP)
CATEGORY: Full-Time
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Residential Social Worker conducts psychosocial assessments, provides crisis management and in-house counseling services when needed and refers youth to services according to their needs. The Residential Social Worker assists runaway and homeless youth in addressing their emotional and behavioral needs as they work towards stability and self sufficiency.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides crisis intervention to support and stabilize youth when needed;
- Accompanies SOP Outreach Workers once/month in approved outreach activities to identify homeless youth and help them decide to get off the streets;
- Assists Program Coordinator in obtaining, reviewing and evaluating pertinent information about potential TLP/EHP candidates. Conducts interviews with potential TLP/EHP candidates and provides feedback regarding needs and suitability for programs;
- Prepares initial needs assessment for TLP and EHP clients within 7 days of intake;
- Conducts intake for SOP clients and prepares initial needs assessment within 48 hours of intake;
- Develops Psychosocial Assessments as necessary within 30 days of intake for TLP/EHP clients and within 48 hours for SOP clients;
- Collects information about clients and family members using interviewing, case history, collateral information and other methods. Analyzes information to determine treatment and/or referrals. Consults DSM-IV and or other material to make recommendations;
- Meets with SOP clients at least 3 times weekly during the two-week shelter stay;
- Provides substance abuse treatment referrals for youth older than 21 and mental health referrals as necessary;
- Prepares Individual Treatment Plan (as necessary) to include measurable and attainable goals, relevant strategies to be implemented and roles and responsibilities;
- Reviews clients’ Case Plans and participates in weekly EHP and TLP case review meetings with EHP and TLP staff;
- Participates in client Treatment Plan meetings as invited by outside mental health providers;
- Reviews Treatment Plans and Psychosocial Assessments every six months for TLP clients and every 3 months for EHP clients;
- Provides individual, family and group interventions when appropriate to assist youth in enhancing their individual and interpersonal functioning;
- Establishes and maintains contact with family members and responsible adults involved in the clients’ lives in order to share goals and foster long term relationships;
- Meets with SOP clients at least twice/month during the 3-month aftercare period and with EHP/TLP clients as necessary during their 6-month aftercare periods;
- Participates in weekly supervision with Clinical Supervisor and bi-weekly group supervision;
- Enters all case notes and appropriate data in the ETO and RHYMIS databases daily;
- Ensures proper maintenance of all clinical records according to CFSA Ch. 62 and respective program guidelines;
- Develops and leads Life Skills group workshops pertaining to emotional and behavioral skills (i.e. soft skills) needed to support transition;
- Participates in and/or conducts training for Residential Staff as required by CFSA Ch. 62;
- Participates in recreational and life skills activities with residents, as appropriate;
- Assists in the development, dissemination and documentation of outreach material throughout the Metropolitan Area;
- Improves professional skills by attending 40 hours of workshops, seminars, and training sessions annually;
- Performs other activities specifically assigned by the Program Coordinator.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) or Masters in Social Work (MSW) with Licensure to be obtained within 3 months of hire;
- Minimum of two years experience working with at-risk youth;
- Ability to complete FBI Background check, Police Clearance, and Child Protection Clearance;
- Flexible schedule: may require nights and weekends.
SKILLS:
- Bilingual: English and Spanish
- Knowledge of services and resources in the areas of mental health;
- Knowledge in crisis intervention;
- Ability to evaluate youth’s emotional, behavioral and social needs
- Ability to conduct individual, family and group counseling sessions;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills;
- Strong organizational skills.
WORKING HOURS:
Monday – 8am – 4pm
Tuesday – 10am – 6pm
Wednesday – 8am – 4pm
Thursday – 10am – 6pm
Sunday – 8am – 4pm
This position requires some work on holidays.
SUPERVISION:
Position reports directly to SOP/TLP/EHP Program Coordinator for programmatic supervision and Clinical Supervisor for clinical supervision.
To Apply:
Please email a cover letter and resume to: socialservicesjobs@layc-dc.org
