Social Worker, BIVO Cure Violence Program

About the role

The Social Worker will work with 16 – 24 year old at risk youths who are or may have potentially been involved in street violence, community residents, businesses and community-based organizations to implement Cure Violence: The Campaign to Stop the Shooting. The program focuses on a defined area in Brownsville, Brooklyn for shooting violence within the 73rd Precinct.

Responsibilities

• Invite/persuade referred clients to schedule initial appointment with Counselor.
• Plan/Conduct family or support system meetings.
• Provide on-the-spot services to Brownsville Families during MTU (Mobile Trauma Unit) Canvassing.
• Screens families/victims for social services interventions.
• Cookordinate services and provide feedback.
• Aid clients in attaining their goals by identifying and locating community resources for clients and by making referrals to appropriate services both within and outside CAMBA.
• Plan and conduct monthly workshops for BIVO participants (self-management, coping with loss, etc).
• Review all documentation establishing clients' eligibility for program.
• Provide a range of “instant response” services when a participant’s immediate well-being and safety is threatened.
• Aid clients in completing all CAMBA intake applications and forms.
• Create and maintain client files and make file copies.
• Conduct initial assessment of clients and/or clients' families.
• In collaboration with clients, prepare initial service plans, including short-term and long-term client goals.
• Consult with others both inside and outside of CAMBA to determine causes of client problems and effect solutions.
• Act as advocate on behalf of clients and/or client families' to arrange for medical, psychiatric, educational and other tests and examinations that may disclose causes of client difficulties and indicate remedial measures.
• Attempt to alter clients' and their families' attitudes and behaviors that cause or aggravate problems.
• Provide all required information for weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual reports.
• Lead group counseling sessions to enhance social development and psychological education of individual clients and provide peer support.
• Monitor clients' progress toward their goals via regularly scheduled telephone contact and/or face-to-face home and office visits.
• Write a psychosocial assessment for all long-term clients or when appropriate.
• Periodically reassess clients and update services plans and goals to reflect current status.
• Follow-up with clients for a period of time after successful completion of their primary goals to assure client stability (aftercare).
• Recommend closing of cases in which clients have: (a) achieved primary goals and have maintained stability for a period of months; or, (b) have not demonstrated a willingness to participate in the process (lost-to-service); or, (c) have become ineligible for services (e.g. moved out of area).
• Ensure that all clients’ charts contain all required documentation.

Requirements

• Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW or LCSW) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and 2 years’ experience working with urban youth (preferably in Brownsville) required. LCSW preferred.
• Equally at home conversing with gang members, community activists, law enforcement personnel, and public officials.
• Subject to a criminal background check and random drug testing.
• No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse or domestic violence or history thereof.
• Strong knowledge of the Brownsville community.
• Familiarity with Brownsville 73rd Police Precinct community challenges of teens and young adults there; strongly preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including morning, evening and weekends as needed.
• Must have understanding of, sensitivity and commitment to working with families of youth that have experienced gun related trauma.
• Counselors should be prepared for various outdoor weather conditions during their regular workday.

Qualifications

• Experience working with urban youth, preferably in Brownsville.
• Knowledge of the Brownsville community and its challenges.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Commitment to working with families of youth that have experienced gun-related trauma.

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

CAMBA offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, paid time off (vacation, personal, and sick time), and paid holidays.

Pay

$75,000 - $90,000 annually

Schedule

Full-time (35 hours per week)