Social Worker, Older Adults

Position Title

Social Worker

Department

Older Adult Centers (OAC’s)

Site/Location

Supports: Borinquen Court, Melrose and Patterson Older Adult Centers

Salary Range

$70,000

Reports To

OAC’s Department Director/Social Services Department lead

MISSION STATEMENT

East Side House cares for the individuals, families, and communities we serve by expanding opportunities to live more fulfilling lives through education, career, and supportive services.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/ Objective

East Side House (ESH) is a community resource in the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. We believe education is the key that enables all people to create economic and civic opportunities for themselves, their families, and their community.  ESH’s Older Adult Programs aligns with our mission by providing high quality programs and services within community centers and school partnerships. 

Reporting to the Department Director, the Social Worker provides a variety of social, protective, and supportive services in a non-medical care setting. The Social worker is responsible for the oversight in helping members access resources and programs, such as benefits and entitlements, including Medicare/Medicaid, SCRIE, and SNAP. As a member of the Older Adult Center team, the Social Worker will collaborate with the Program Directors and  Case Workers to assist older adults who need referrals to appropriate resources in the community and to provide wraparound case management services. The Social Worker will also bring in resources and partnerships that benefit members.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Department Director, the Social Worker will be responsible for but not limited to the following:

• Meet monthly client service goals and keep record in Vive.
• Supervise Case Workers and Social Work interns when assigned to Older Adult Centers.
• Review and finalize all case notes submitted by Case Workers.
• Assess to determine social service needs and create person centered plan of care; follow-up accordingly until issues are resolved and needs are met.
• In collaboration with Case Workers, conduct intake and assessments of the older adults to be enrolled in the Department for the Aging (DFTA) Older Adult Center program.
• Guiding staff in regard to mental, emotional and behavioral health concerns and making referrals  where appropriate; intervening as needed.
• Conducting assessments, planning, evaluation, and advocacy for options and services to meet the program participants needs through communication and available resources to promote quality, cost-effective outcomes.
• Use validated tools to screen consenting members for mental health symptoms and re-screen members at appropriate intervals.
• Attends in-service and professional development trainings as assigned by ESH and DFTA.
• Provide supportive counseling to participants in crisis; make mental health referrals when necessary.
• Make referrals to APS when there is elder abuse, neglect or danger.
• Make referrals to appropriate community partners when participant is in need including, home health care, meals on wheels, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
• Assist with crisis or conflict that may occur at the center; complete incident reports.
• Assists with program assessment, preparation, and follow-ups; Assess centers social service and wellness needs, to provide workshops/activities or bring in appropriate services.