The Town of Brookline Council on Aging is seeking applicants for the position of Clinical Social Worker II. The Brookline Council on Aging works with town agencies and the community to provide comprehensive services and enhance the quality of life for Brookline seniors age 60 and over. We have a dedicated senior center facility which provides a rich, diverse environment with a wide range of opportunities, programs and services in the areas of health, learning, art, socialization, nutrition, and recreation.

The Clinical Social Worker II will provide administrative, supervisory and clinical casework services to the older adult residents of Brookline. Provides outreach and home-based clinical and case management services. Is responsible for administrating the innovative Homecare Program. Makes appropriate referrals and offers assistance with social, medical, legal and financial services. The incumbent performs all other related work as required.

Qualifications:

Master’s in Social Work required with expertise in Gerontology and two years related experience; L.I.C.S.W. required.

Knowledge of services and resources available to older adults and knowledge of related state and federal laws and regulations required. Ability to work with individuals, families and community agencies. Ability to provide assistance to older adults with compassion, empathy and patience; ability to coordinate and monitor client care. Strong communication, organizational and time management skills, and strong clinical casework, counseling and crisis intervention skills required.

Starting salary $70,053 annually plus generous benefits. Please apply with resume and cover letter. Position open until filled.

Clinical Social Worker II Job Description

Position Purpose:

The purpose of this position is to provide administrative, supervisory and clinical casework services to the older adult residents of Brookline. Provides outreach and home-based clinical and case management services, makes appropriate referrals and offers assistance with social, medical, legal and financial services. The incumbent performs all other related work as required

Supervision:

Supervision Scope: Performs highly responsible functions requiring a high level of initiative and judgment in providing assistance and making referrals to older adults and their families residing in Brookline.

Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Clinical Social Worker III and the Supervisor of Services. Meets regularly with the Supervisor of Services to discuss cases. Confers with his/her supervisor when unusual situations arise.

Supervision Given: Assists with the day-to-day supervision of volunteers.

Job Environment:

Some work is performed under typical office conditions; home visits require travel and exposure to various weather conditions. During home visits incumbent may have exposure to communicable diseases and other health and safety risks.

Operates automobile, computers, printers, telephone, and other standard office
equipment. Has frequent contact with recipients of services, health care providers, community agencies, nursing homes, retirement communities, assisted living facilities, various social welfare agencies, landlords, attorneys, clergy, volunteers, the general public and other town departments.

Contacts involve discussing the needs of the service recipient. Has access to confidential information regarding service recipients.

Errors could result in reduced levels of service to the community and possible legal ramifications.

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Provides outreach and home-based clinical and case management services in collaboration with other service providers to assist elderly clients and monitor their care as appropriate. Provides information and makes appropriate referrals to clients and/or their family members.
• Conducts psychosocial and situational assessments to identify problems, eligibility for assistance and need for services. Develops service plan with clients to address goals and resolve problems.
• Responsible for maintaining a working knowledge of the resources available to older adults. Assist in identifying new resources and sharing with staff. Contribute resource information to the Elder Resource Guide Book.
• Provides crisis intervention as needed; conduct suicide risk assessments and develop safety plans; monitor and support to clients who are experiencing mental health issues.
• Provide information and referral services to older adult clients, their families, caregivers, and/or representatives to address social, medical, housing, legal, and financial needs of the client. Assist with applying for benefits as needed.
• Participates in interagency case presentations and meetings to facilitate coordination of services to older adults at risk. Coordinates and communicates with other professionals, volunteers and service providers to meet client care needs and monitors same.
• Investigates referrals regarding elders at risk, elder abuse or self-neglect. Works closely with state and local agencies regarding mandated reporting of elder abuse.
• Serves as liaison with community agencies and as an advocate for elderly clients within health care and other systems. Represent the Council on Aging at community or other related events.
• Assist in the development, implementation and/or facilitation of educational, informational, or practice based programs pertaining to a particular need or concern of the elderly as needed. Assist in identifying gaps in services and assist in developing programmatic solutions.
• Assist with related media relations through the creation of press releases/advertising content for print and social media.
• May provides direction to and oversee volunteer employees. May assist with supervisory responsibility for volunteers.
• Creates and maintains confidential client records; compiles and prepares various reports.
• Attends relevant workshops and in-service activities to keep current in the field and maintain professional licensure.
• Maintain the flexibility to work outside of regularly scheduled hours as situations may demand.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:

Master’s in Social Work required with expertise in Gerontology and two years related experience; L.I.C.S.W. required.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge: Knowledge of services and resources available to older adults. Knowledge of related state and federal laws and regulations. Knowledge of database and word processing applications.

Ability: Ability to work with individuals, families and community agencies. Ability to provide assistance to older adults with compassion, empathy and patience. Ability to coordinate and monitor client care. Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidential information. Ability to respond to emergency situations. Ability to maintain client records and compile reports as needed.

Skill: Strong communication, organizational and time management skills. Strong clinical casework and counseling skills. Must have crisis intervention skills. Skill in all of the above listed technology, tools and equipment.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Vision and hearing at, or correctable to normal ranges is necessary. Must be able to drive an automobile. Must be able to access client’s homes, including climbing stairs when necessary. Must be able to communicate verbally. Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)