The Social Worker serves as the primary contact for individuals seeking community benefits and supports workforce participants in overcoming barriers to employment. Responsibilities include managing a caseload, conducting comprehensive screenings, and coordinating internal and external referrals.
JOB SUMMARY Under the direction of the Director of Social Services, the Social Worker is the main contact for all individuals seeking help to obtain benefits and entitlements in the community. The Social Worker is also the designated support professional at the Career Connections Hub to ensure workforce participants are able to overcome barriers to successfully complete trainings and job applications. Also, the position involves the ability to identify needs and provide the appropriate screenings, assistance, or referrals, coordinate ongoing support and maintain updated records. Please note this is an on-site position.
ABOUT YOU You have excellent communication skills; verbal, written and computer. You are trained on interviewing skills, client assessment, determining eligibility, community resources, and information/referral process. You are also trained in managing benefit applications through ACCESS HRA. You have demonstrated cultural competency, sensitivity to, and understanding of the diverse academic socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of the community.
WHAT YOU’LL DO Manage a caseload of assigned clients.
Conduct comprehensive screenings/assessment for all individuals who contact the social services department, including those in need of food pantry and workforce services.
Provide counseling and education to individuals about available services.
Assist individuals with applying for all qualifying benefits.
Make internal referrals to other JCC programs including GED, ESL, Career Connections, and CHIPS.
Work with CRED program participants and the JCC Career Connections team to ensure that clients applying for workforce positions and those undergoing trainings will get adequate support to navigate and overcome barriers.
Make external referrals to other agencies.
Communicate and collaborate closely with JCC off-site programs (Cornerstones, etc.) to obtain and provide information on available services and benefits.
Assist pantry clients and screen for further needs.
Create and maintain a database of mental health resources in the community.
Coordinate support groups.
Maintain and update records of all efforts, including outreach, contacts, outcomes, and significant statistical data.
Attend relevant trainings and events.
Ensure compliance with funders’ protocols.
All other projects assigned by supervisor.
OUR REQUIREMENTS MSW required. At least 2 years’ experience working in the social services field. Bilingual in Hebrew, Spanish, and/or Russian preferred.
SALARY $65,000-70,000 annually, commensurate with experience
The JCC of Staten Island is committed to keeping you and your family healthy and happy through a comprehensive benefits program. Offerings include: subsidized options for Medical; offerings for Dental and Vision coverage, FSA and Dependent Care. We also offer free LTD, STD, Life Insurance, a Pension, 403B, generous program discounts, free membership, ample time off and much more!
A Master of Social Work (MSW) and at least two years of experience in the social services field are required. Proficiency in Hebrew, Spanish, or Russian is preferred.
Market context
New York social worker openings are often driven by ongoing demand in mental health and substance use treatment settings, especially for candidates with clinical experience. This role is competitive because employers typically look for a master’s degree in social work, relevant hands-on experience, and preferred NYS LMSW or LCSW licensure. Before applying, confirm your licensure status and match your clinical experience to the posting; this platform’s AI-summarized requirements and benefits help save research time by pulling key details from the original job description.
