Family Violence Services Social Worker

Position Summary:

Met Council is America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. Met Council’s ten different departments are staffed by experts who helped over 305,000 clients in 2021 and continuously advocate on behalf of all needy New Yorkers. Our holistic programs range from 100% affordable housing at 20 locations to our award-winning family violence program to comprehensive Holocaust survivor assistance to senior programming to crisis intervention to the largest free kosher food distribution program in the world. Our network of 101 food pantries, 20 affordable housing sites, and 15 JCCs provide services directly in neighborhoods across New York.

The role of the Family Violence Social Worker in the Family Violence department is to work effectively with clients impacted by intimate partner violence. This includes assessing for client needs and evaluating and providing a continuum of services including emergency financial grants, counseling, and legal advocacy. The employee with work on site at the Manhattan Family Justice Center, where they will accept walk in referrals and coordinate care through the FJC systems. 

Principal  Responsibilities:

As part of the Family Violence Team, this staff member will:

• Assess client needs.
• Conduct intake in main office and at satellite locations.
• Obtain appropriate documentation.
• Manage a safety plan with the clients.
• Perform case management services to include assisting clients with applying for Public Assistance, housing, and other services.
• Provide information and referrals to clients regarding resources in community.
• Provide support and counseling services to clients in both individual and group settings.
• Determine client’s eligibility for financial assistance.
• Complete applications for assistance and maintain appropriate paperwork and database input (i.e. AWARDS) in a timely manner.
• Complete case notes and input all client contacts into AWARDS in a timely manner.
• Maintain ongoing contact log notes and related documentation.
• Meet all FJC requirements including properly sending referrals through the FJC database and clearing FJC queue. 
• Work effectively with partner agencies including legal services.
• Attend trainings and seminars regarding topics related to family violence work.
• Participate in task forces and other similar groups and represent agency at these meetings.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity to all clients.
• Responsible for outreach to community and clients.
• Comply with demands of grant and assist in preparing grant reports.
• Participate in individual supervision, weekly group meetings.
• Work collaboratively with Family Violence team and cover when staff is out, as needed
• Supervise MSW student interns.
• Manage a large case load of clients.
• Answer program helpline and text line calls.
• Additional responsibilities as required.

Competencies:

• Strong communication skills
• Ability to assess safety of clients and create safety plans as needed
• Ability to provide brief counseling and provide support to survivors as needed
• Makes timely, informed decisions that take into account fact goal constrains and risks
• Manages own time, priorities and resources to achieve goals
• Uses social work ethics to support client and system needs
• Social Worker must have the ability to work within a fast-paced work environment and make appropriate and safe decisions

Skill and Education Required:

• MSW, LMSW or LCSW—SIFI eligible
• 2-3 years of work experience preferably counseling experience
• Prior experience working with domestic violence victims
• Preference for bi-lingual Russian or Spanish

Physical Demands:

1. Required Constantly:  Walking, sitting, grasping, bending, stooping, squatting, computer input, finger dexterity and coordination of hand, eye and foot.
2. Required Frequently: Standing and climbing stairs; carrying laptop & files (approx. 8-10 lbs).
3. Required Occasionally: Reaching above the shoulder, and lifting 5-25 pounds, pushing and pulling.

Special Requirements:

• This position is co-located at our main office and at the Family Justice Center in Manhattan (sites are subject to agency needs and assignment).  
• Must be able to travel on public transportation to offices as determined by Met Council administration and grants.

Benefits: Major medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b) with employer contribution; plus generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.