Social Worker - Domestic Violence Programs

POSITION REQUIREMENTS, EDUCATION & ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

• Provide direct, client-driven, comprehensive case management services to help clients resolve or mitigate barriers to securing and maintaining safety and appropriate services.
• Assist clients to develop client-driven goals, and safety, housing, financial and self-sufficiency plans that are solution-focused and based on clients’ strengths.
• Develop and monitor individualized service plans for client with short and long-term goals, and assist clients in accessing services.
•  Facilitate educational groups and workshops for clients on skills to maintain safety and understand the dynamics of domestic violence.
• Conduct intake interviews to assess callers for eligibility for shelter.
• Engage residents in initial and ongoing services, through individual and group supportive counseling and safety planning.
• Develop and maintain housing referral resources, and assist residents in the process of locating and securing permanent housing, in partnership with the housing specialist, where available.
• Identify appropriate community resources and assist residents by providing information, advocacy and referrals to address the families’ individualized needs.
• Assess residents’ vocational and educational needs, aptitudes and interests, and identify and coordinate appropriate referrals.
• Assist residents to understand, secure and maintain public benefits, including cash assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid, by providing education and direct advocacy.
• Conduct mental health assessments of residents by completing comprehensive functional evaluations.
• Coordinate mental health/psychiatric care and referrals.
• Provide brief psychotherapy.
• Participate in training seminars conducted to enhance and develop appropriate skills.
• Attend individual case supervision, group supervision, case conferences, and staff meetings.
• Function independently in time of facility coverage, including, responsibility responsibility for appropriate action in crisis situations per agency procedures.
• Regularly assess the safety and well-being of clients.
• Schedule appointments for residents’ physical exams.
• Handle hotline calls and complete assessments.
• Coordinate on-site services such as for child care, child therapy and recreation.
• Collaborate directly with staff affiliated with URI’s LEAP, PALS and Economic Empowerment programs to help support clients with their unique needs.
• Identify concrete needs and provide assistance on an as needed basis.
• Complete other duties as needed and/or requested by management to align with mission and vision of the organization.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) with at least one (1) year of counseling experience, preferably in a residential shelter.
• One (1) year of crisis counseling experience, preferred in a residential shelter for victims of domestic violence, and experience and demonstrated skills in group counseling.
• Must have training and experience in assessing the vocational and educational needs and aptitudes of clients, experience engaging clients through the process of obtaining Public Assistance, Medicaid and other benefits.
• Must be knowledgeable and sensitive to domestic violence issues.
• Must possess a demonstrated ability in delivering client services including: communication and listening skills, understanding of human interaction and personality development, the ability to write and record case documentation, and demonstrated skills in group counseling.
• Employee must be computer-literate and must have knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications.
• Must have ability to be flexible with schedule as needed.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.

Pay Rate: $27.47/hr - $30.21/hr

At URI we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment.  We actively seek a diverse candidate pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. At URI we offer equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.