Island Harvest is growing and seeking a full time Social Worker to further our strategic objective of providing the highest quality food, advocacy, resources, product and services to our neighbors in need as well as provide counseling, advocacy and resource and service referrals to students in our Workforce Skills Development Institute.

Job Summary:

Our ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years working with clients to conduct intakes, interviews and assessments and support clients’ emotional and mental health needs with empathy for our clients and neighbors who may live in low-income/vulnerable conditions, live in a culturally diverse community, may have disabilities (both physical and or mental).  Clients may include veterans, seniors, children and/or adults as well as students from our Workforce Skills Development Institute. Candidate will have the ability to work collaboratively with the other department team members to deliver social services in a comprehensive and timely manner.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Connect clients to social services and support through direct referral and outreach.
  • Conduct comprehensive intake and diagnostic evaluations of Island Harvest’s Workforce Skills Development Institute’s candidates and students.
  • Assist other staff members to make mental competency evaluations, recommendations and/or refer clients who may benefit from counseling or social service intervention.
  • Deliver counseling services as needed (either on an ad hoc or regularly scheduled basis) to students facing emotional or psychological challenges.
  • Assist clients in crisis situations and direct them towards other resources after the crisis.
  • Help clients identify effective coping mechanisms and lifestyle changes.

Knowledge:

  • Public benefits (including but not limited to: SNAP/Food Stamps, Access-a-Ride, Able Ride, SCAT, Reduced Fare Metro Card, Medicare Savings Program, Medicaid Spend Down, NYCHA/Section-8/public/affordable housing/lotteries, Medicaid/Medicare, SSI/SSD/SSA, etc.) and eligibility criteria and/or be a quick learner willing to attend trainings, and apply concepts/eligibility criteria when screening clients, and ask questions as needed.
  • Familiarity with where to refer possible client to a mental health agency or other important services and know how to decipher between emergency and non-emergent situations.
  • NY State Laws relevant to low-income families.
  • Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, is required

Ability:

  • Must be skilled in making assessment of clients’ mental health status when needed.
  • Ability to build warm individual relationships with clients.
  • Demonstrate ability to diffuse and respond to customer concerns.
  • Ability to communicate and build relationships effectively and appropriately with diverse range of individuals.

Required Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Worker
  • Minimum 3 years of professional experience providing case management to vulnerable populations.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Hours:

  • 40 Hours Per Week on site Monday- Friday 9-5. Occasional nights and/or weekends may be required.

Salary: $30.00 per hour

Thank you for taking the time to explore a career with us.

ISLAND HARVEST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To be considered for this position please send your resume to resumes@islandharvest.org. No phone calls or walk-ins, please. No relocation expenses.