Social Worker

Description

For 50 years, Covenant House New York (CHNY) has been a leader in providing a full continuum of shelter, transitional and permanent housing, and wrap-around support services for vulnerable homeless, runaway and exploited youth. As the largest provider of runaway and homeless youth services in New York City, CHNY serves more than 1,500 youth and young adults ages 16-24 annually. Our doors are open to all young people who need help, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. We provide shelter, housing, education, employment, health, mental health, and other services using trauma-informed principles. We also advocate for systemic change through public policy while promoting awareness of critical issues related to youth homelessness. Covenant House New York’s goal is to help each young person find safety and refuge from the dangers of living on the streets and to empower youth now and into the future. We do this through compassion, unconditional love, and absolute respect. 

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Rights of Passage (ROP) Social Worker provides psychosocial services using a variety of interventions, including evidence-based models such as DBT, TF-CBT, and Motivational Interviewing to young adults, aged 16-21, with a history of homelessness.  The Rights of Passage is a transitional living program in the Bronx where youth can stay for potentially up to 18 months. This position is for our Avenue St. John site which houses the female-identified and mother-child ROP programs. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Mental Health Services, the Social Worker will be expected to collaborate with all members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality service delivery.

The Social Worker is responsible for providing psychosocial services, including developing community resources for the young adults to access long-term mental health services, risk/psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, counseling, and psychoeducation, to a diverse youth population. The Social Worker also serves in an informal capacity as a consultant/supportive coach to residential staff regarding young people’s psychosocial and mental health needs.

The Social Worker will need to be comfortable in a rapidly changing environment where processes and protocols are being developed and refined as the program is operating.  Flexibility and excellent communication and problem-solving abilities are critical to successfully fulfilling the requirements of this position. This position includes opportunities to be trained and certified in evidence-based practices (EBPs), as well as providing individual and group supervision by an LCSW for pursuit of LCSW licensure. CHNY is also a member of the Coalition for Behavioral Health which allows this position free access to trainings and CEUs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Responsibilities to include but not limited to the following)

• Provide individual and group counseling and psychoeducation to youth experiencing homelessness to address mental health and psychosocial needs (per service plan). This includes short-term crisis intervention, immediate crisis management on site, advocacy and follow-up for designated caseload.

• Complete psychosocial assessments (e.g., screening for mental health and substance use concerns and mental status) for higher need residents. Identify current mental health, social, and emotional needs, making initial recommendations, in-house and outside referrals, and write appropriate summary report.

• Actively link young people who are interested in longer term mental health care and psycho-social supports to community based providers and communicate with providers/social workers at referring agencies as necessary.

• Become trained in and integrate evidence-based programs  

• Lead meetings with assigned Case Managers to coordinate and collaboratively address the case management and social work needs of youth within respective teams.

• Provide consultation to Case Managers and residential staff—providing assessments, information (regarding issues around trauma, mental health and substance use), and referrals as needed.

• Meet regularly with clinical supervisor to discuss concerns, reflect on practice and client needs, and carry out plans for young people.

• Be vigilant about maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for our youth.

• Flexible schedule required.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Education & Experience

• Master Social Worker (MSW) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)  reis quired. Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) preferred.

• MSW must obtain LMSW licensure within 6 months of the start date.

• Must be working towards earning LCSW Licensure.

• Two (2) years’ experience providing counseling and case work with at risk youth highly preferred; Internships in this field to be considered. Knowledge of trauma and mental health issues facing multi-stressed youth and families.

• Experience working in a shelter or residential setting preferred. Knowledge of external and social service systems.

• Experience working with survivors of human trafficking and/or intimate partner violence preferred.

• Solid assessment, interviewing and crisis intervention skills.

• Excellent verbal, written and problem-solving abilities required.

• Experience working with diverse groups required.

• Experience utilizing evidence-based and other social service models preferred 

• Dedicated to the mission of Covenant House. 

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Compensation

Covenant House New York offers a rich package of benefits including but not limited to full medical, vision, dental, life, and short and long-term disability insurance and other fringe benefits. Eligibility for medical benefits begins on the date of hire. PTO includes 3 weeks of vacation in the first year, 10 holidays, 13 sick days, 5 personal days, and birthday days off. Benefits include a 403b with employer contribution after 12 months. There are also multiple additional optional benefits (including additional life, disability, accident, and cancer insurance) available at significantly reduced rates. "CH is a vaccinated employer. As such, prospective new hires will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by the date of hire to be considered."

Covenant House New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $66,350 - $68,350