Social Worker

Salary: $68,705.16-$103,057.74/annually*

• Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.

Schedule: 37.5 hours per week- Full Time

NATURE OF WORK:

The Evanston Public Library strives to be a welcoming space for all members of our community. Individuals come to the Library seeking information and assistance with a variety of concerns. Previously, the Evanston Public Library contracted with an external agency to provide a social worker in the library. As the inaugural and only on-staff social worker at Evanston Public Library, the Library Social Worker will be responsible for collaborating with Library Administration to build upon previous offerings and to develop and design a robust program and social services plan for the Library that will address the immediate needs of library patrons who are in need of social services. As part of this program and plan, it is expected that the Library Social Worker will work with library patrons on-site at the Evanston Public Library’s Main Library and Robert Crown Branch Library. The person in this position will provide services, by appointment or during drop-in hours, to library patrons in need, including assessment, brief counseling, case management, assistance navigating applications for services, and referrals to outside resources. The person in this position will coordinate between the library and relevant social services agencies and will help to guide staff awareness of resources and collaborate with other administrators for training on topics such as de-escalation, working with patrons who have experienced trauma, etc. This person in this position will work closely with the Library Safety Team to identify patrons in need and to connect them to appropriate resources. The person in this position will not be providing mental health treatment to library staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):

• Design and implement systems and processes necessary to establish the social work program, as the first full time on-staff social worker in this library.
• Collaborate with EPL management team and staff to develop community-relevant services and programming related to patron psychosocial needs.
• Evaluate services, prioritize projects, and allocate resources to best meet organizational and community needs.
• Establish and maintain relationships with frequent library patrons who may need services or support.
• Provide services to library patrons (case management, assessments, brief counseling, support, assistance completing benefits applications, referrals to outside agencies).
• Collaborate with other administrators to recommend and provide training to library staff (serve as consultant for subcommittees as needed).
• Work with the library engagement team for opportunities/events in the community.
• Collaborate/build relationships with community partners to ease referrals of library patrons.
• Represent the Library on community initiatives to address the systemic issues and needs faced by at-risk library patrons who spend time in and around the library.
• Maintain professional engagement on a state and/or national level, including participation in such organizations as the National Association of Social Workers and the Whole Person Librarianship Community of Practice.
• While maintaining the confidentiality of patron information, collect and analyze data on number of individuals assisted, types of assistance provided, etc. and provide written and verbal reports to library leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with at least 2 years of professional experience and demonstrated familiarity with social service systems, including experience in at least some of the following: case management, crisis intervention, de-escalation, training, advocacy, and/or program evaluation with people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders.
• Bilingual Spanish is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

• Ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Basic knowledge of computers and familiarity with Microsoft Office and Google Suites.
• Ability to network and establish on-going relationships with community partners.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of local, State and Federal procedures pertaining to human services and assistance programs.
• Experience in project management, including planning and evaluation, scheduling and monitoring, coordinating multiple projects, and project communications.
• Ability to assess, recommend, and implement improved policies, processes and procedures relating to serving patrons with psychosocial needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

Ability to work primarily in a sedentary position occasionally using force to lift, carry or otherwise move objects normally found in an office setting. The ability to move around an ADA compliant building, to interact with members of the public in the facility. The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes. No environmental hazards indicated for this classification.

SUPERVISION:

Work is performed under the general direction of the Library Assistant Director and in consultation with library public service managers. Assignments may vary from day to day. Assignments can be either verbal or written, with the employee determining proper procedure and work methods and is responsible for completing the work according to City work rules and safety regulations. Work is reviewed through ongoing observation, written and verbal communication, meetings and feedback from supervisors and other department employees. Guidance is provided through rules and regulations, policies and procedures, Unified Work Rules, Union Contract, Personnel Rules and OSHA. Work is evaluated at least annually for the safe and skilled utilization of equipment, quality of tasks, adherence to work rules, and performance in accordance with the classification standard.

PUBLIC CONTACT:

This person has regular and frequent contact with all levels of internal staff as well as contact with the public at large.


To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date.

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.