NOVA MRT SOCIAL WORKER

About the role

The Department of Social Services (DSS) includes the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). HRA works to combat poverty and income inequality by providing benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance. DHS focuses on preventing and addressing homelessness through innovative strategies that help families and individuals exit shelter and achieve self‑sufficiency.

Domestic Violence Services (DVS) oversees the nation’s largest domestic shelter system—more than 55 emergency shelters serving over 17,500 victims of domestic violence and their children each year. DVS also funds the 24‑hour domestic violence hotline, administers the No Violence Again (NoVA) program at DHS intake centers, and runs the Domestic Violence Liaison Unit, which provides counseling and intervention at Job Centers. DVS partners with community organizations to offer counseling, legal services, financial development, and job‑readiness programs, and leads the nationally recognized Teen Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP).

The NoVA program provides assessments, crisis counseling, referrals to domestic‑violence shelters, information about entitlements, advocacy, group counseling, and legal intervention for victims seeking emergency housing through DHS. It operates through Assessment Units at the DHS PATH Family Intake Center, the DHS Adult Family Intake Center (AFIC), and the NoVA/MRT‑Consultation Unit.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual crisis intervention, short‑term trauma counseling, and ongoing safety planning.
• Conduct screening and assessments to determine eligibility for domestic‑violence shelter placement.
• Deliver on‑site counseling services and formulate evaluation and treatment plans.
• Assess service needs and make appropriate referrals to social and other services.
• Follow up to ensure receipt of services and participate in case conferences.
• Offer domestic‑violence consultation to DHS social‑worker staff and train DHS staff on related issues.
• Assist with domestic‑violence shelter placement when appropriate.
• Provide advocacy services as required.
• Maintain comprehensive case records and required statistical documentation.
• Provide services in centrally based locations or out‑stations across HRA and DHS facilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work.

License Requirements

A valid Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license issued by the New York State Department of Education must be obtained within one year of appointment, presented at the time of appointment (or as soon as obtained), and maintained for the duration of employment. Failure to obtain the license within the first year will extend the probationary period by six months; failure to obtain it within 18 months will result in termination.

Schedule

Standard hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. with flexible scheduling. The position requires availability to work in all boroughs and DHS locations.

Additional Information

• Applicants hired provisionally must pass the civil service exam when it becomes available to remain employed.
• Section 424‑a of the New York Social Service Law requires the agency to inquire about any child‑abuse or maltreatment report for candidates with child‑care responsibilities; the agency may assign such candidates to positions without child‑care duties.
• The position is open to qualified persons with a disability eligible for the 55‑a Program. Indicate interest in the 55‑a Program at the top of your resume and cover letter.
• Prospective employees may be eligible for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness and state repayment assistance programs.
• New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment, with possible exceptions for employees with two continuous years of city service who may reside in certain surrounding counties.
• The City of New York is an inclusive equal‑opportunity employer committed to a work environment free from discrimination and harassment based on any legally protected characteristic.