Social Worker - Basic Needs Team

JOB SUMMARY

The Social Worker is a member of The Legal Aid Society of Rochester’s innovative Basic Needs Team, providing supportive services to clients throughout their legal cases and beyond. The Social Worker supports the Civil Division by screening and interviewing clients, identifying non-legal needs, developing individualized action plans, and connecting clients with appropriate government and community-based resources. Support services may include assistance with benefits, public assistance, food, shelter, housing, financial assistance, and other basic needs. The Social Worker provides follow-up on referrals, assists clients in navigating available resources, and collaborates with attorneys and other members of the Basic Needs Team to address barriers that may impact clients' ability to achieve their goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Interview clients in a variety of settings, including agency offices, clients' homes, City and Family Court, and community-based locations, to identify needs and gather information relevant to service planning.
• Conduct screening and assessment of clients' non-legal needs and identify appropriate resources, services, and interventions.
• Develop and implement individualized client action plans addressing identified basic needs and provide supportive services consistent with client goals.
• Assist clients with applications for public benefits, housing, food assistance, financial assistance, and other available resources.
• Make referrals to government agencies, legal service organizations, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and other appropriate resources.
• Follow up with clients and service providers to determine whether referrals are available, accessible, and appropriate and whether services have been provided.
• Assist clients in navigating benefits-related processes, including fair hearings and other administrative proceedings when appropriate.
• Conduct home and community visits, when appropriate and consistent with safety protocols, to assess client needs and provide services.
• Communicate with service providers, government agencies, community organizations, and other professionals to obtain information and coordinate services on behalf of clients.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely case notes, assessments, action plans, recommendations, and other documentation in the organization's case management system.
• Consult and collaborate with attorneys, the Supervising Social Worker, and other members of the Basic Needs Team regarding client needs, service plans, and case-related concerns.
• Provide support and assistance to clients during court proceedings, administrative hearings, appointments, and other settings as appropriate.
• Participate in Basic Needs Team, Civil Division, and organization-wide meetings, trainings, and collaborative activities.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field required.
• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) is a plus.
• Relevant New York State social work licensure or eligibility for licensure preferred, but not required.
• Prior experience working with individuals or families experiencing poverty, housing instability, food insecurity, or other barriers to meeting basic needs preferred
• Knowledge of public benefits, housing resources, government assistance programs, and community-based services preferred.
• High level of initiative, independence, and organization.
• Self-driven and solution-oriented with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong assessment, problem-solving, advocacy, and resource-navigation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Respectful and empathetic consideration for clients from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and timely documentation.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft 365 and ability to learn and utilize case management systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive client information.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with attorneys, social workers, service providers, government agencies, and community partners.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English (spoken and written) highly preferred.
• Access to reliable transportation and ability to travel to client homes, courts, community agencies, and other work locations as required.
• Commitment to social justice and a passion for serving underserved communities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

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 essential functions.

• Extended periods of sitting at a desk or workstation while performing administrative tasks.
• Regular use of computers and other office equipment, requiring manual dexterity and visual concentration.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings, training sessions, or other events.
• Ability to communicate effectively with associates, supervisors, and external stakeholders in person, over the phone, or via email.
• Office-based environment with standard office equipment and ergonomic furniture.
• Exposure to typical office noises such as phone calls, conversations, and office equipment operation.
• Work will be performed in an in-office environment.
• Occasional travel may be required for attending training sessions, conferences, or other related events.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work schedule
• Paid Lunch Hour
• Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance plans
• Up to:
  • 15 days of vacation to start (based on experience)
  • 96 hours of sick leave
  • 48 hours of personal time
  • 14 paid holidays a year
  • $600 per year internet stipend
  • 3% match on the 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan of your choice
• Language differential for being proficient in a program-relevant language
• Professional development opportunities
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer

The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.