Yarmouth Senior Services Social Worker - LCSW

Develop and implement new and innovative approaches for Yarmouth Senior Services outreach to service Yarmouth seniors suffering from mental illness including those aged 85+ identified as homebound and at risk of isolation and depression.

Considerable judgment required to establish rapport and develop individualized support plan to improve quality of life for frail elders and their family members.  Directly trains and supervises volunteers in Outreach programming: Friendly Visitors, Friendly Calls, Fuel Assistance, Healthy Meals in Motion, SNAP applications, Benefits Checkup, etc. 

Job Environment

Most work is performed at home visits with potential hazards associated with entering private homes. May require another staff member or departmental person to attend home visit. Visits may require some evening or weekend work.

Employee has daily contact with the public, other town departments, state and local agencies, community leaders and citizen groups serving senior citizens. Makes frequent contacts requiring perceptiveness and needs assessment with senior citizens. Contacts are by phone, in person and in writing and require the ability to influence actions, resolve problems and discuss complex physical, mental and financial wellness matters of a confidential nature. Interaction with family members, caregivers, agencies and medical community as needed to contribute to solutions for senior.

Essential Functions

Creates, develops, administers, and coordinates services and programs to address the needs of home bound elders and those elders suffering from mental health challenges.  Responsible for client related crisis intervention, interface with other Town departments, and maintaining a safe environment relative to client mental health issues.  Conducts home visits with client to establish trust and develop action plan. Connects senior with solutions promoting community, regional and countrywide resources.

Foster and maintain relationships with external organizations and government agencies to improve delivery of critical services to elders. 

Meet monthly with the COAST Outreach and liaison committees. 

Participates in local and regional efforts to expand and improve services to elders.

Prepare Outreach topic for bi-monthly bulletin published by the Division of Senior Services.

Work cooperatively with other town departments to assure effective, efficient resource and solution information dissemination and connection to Elders.

Performs similar or related work as required, directed or situation dictates.

Education

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – Master of Social Work from accredited college or university is required.

Experience

Three years of progressively responsible experience in social services; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements:

Possession of a Massachusetts Class D motor vehicle operator's license required.

CORI background check required prior to employment.

Physical Requirements

Requires ability to walk and drive to access private homes; vision correctable to normal limits; must be able to operate computer and motor vehicle, Minimal physical effort generally required for work performed in office.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)