Lantern Community Services Inc·New York
The Social Worker provides clinical assessments, counseling, and case management for women aged 55 and older experiencing homelessness. They are responsible for crisis intervention, care coordination, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards within a shelter setting.
Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Director of Social Services and Program Director
This is a full-time position with a daytime schedule that includes 1 evening/late shift and weekend coverage. Lantern staff may be asked to change the work schedule and hours depending on the operational needs of the site and the agency.
Lantern Community Services helps New Yorkers impacted by homelessness move from surviving to thriving by pairing safe, supportive housing with wraparound services that build lasting stability and independence. If you believe a steady home can be the start of everything else, you’ll fit right in with our mission-first team. Lantern was also recognized as a Top 2025 Workplace by City & State New York - a great place to do meaningful work with people who care.
Hudson Bay is a brand-new, all-female shelter in the Bronx housing 200 women aged 55 and older.
The Social Worker plays a critical role in delivering high-quality, client-centered services within the shelter setting. This position requires strong clinical judgment, leadership skills, and the ability to engage and support individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use issues, and other barriers to stability. The Social Worker provides assessments, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, and care coordination while ensuring compliance with agency, city, and state standards.
Demonstrate leadership and maintain a commitment to client-centered, trauma-informed care.
Manage and coordinate clinical and administrative functions in compliance with federal and state standards, utilizing CARES, PSYKES, CAPS, and other DHS/OTDA systems.
Ensure effective delivery and documentation of services, including referrals to appropriate levels of care.
Conduct biopsychosocial assessments, mental status examinations, and comprehensive mental health evaluations, including those required for Supportive Housing referrals.
Conduct shelter-based mental health and substance use screenings.
Develop and facilitate groups, workshops, and trainings that promote health, wellness, personal growth, and housing stability.
Provide crisis intervention, complete incident follow-ups, and support risk management procedures.
Maintain accurate and timely client records in compliance with regulatory and HIPAA standards.
Serve as a liaison to community agencies and build collaborative relationships with service providers and referral sources.
Utilize a harm reduction approach when supporting a diverse caseload.
Engage residents through apartment visits, community outings, and appointment escorts as needed.
Develop safety plans and collaborate with staff to de-escalate crises.
Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, supervision, and ongoing professional development, including clinical supervision toward advanced licensure.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
This job operates in a shelter environment and works with a population who may experience mental illness, substance use, disability, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illnesses.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, climb stairs and/or kneel. The employee must use hands to type, handle, or feel and frequently talk or hear. Occasionally, the employee may lift and/or move up to 5 pounds. Some positions may require travel between work sites and carrying materials up to 8 pounds.
Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Lantern Community Services values the diversity of all our clients, staff, Board of Directors, and partners. By bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together, we create more vibrant, healthy, and just communities.
A Master of Social Work (MSW) is required, with an LMSW preferred. Candidates must have at least one year of experience working with adults impacted by poverty, chronic homelessness, mental illness, or substance use.
Market context
In New York, social work openings tied to housing instability, behavioral health, and poverty are typically in steady demand, especially in community-based settings. This role is competitive because it calls for an MSW, prefers an LMSW, and seeks experience with adults facing chronic homelessness, mental health, or substance use challenges. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then tailor your application to show direct casework experience with similar populations.
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