Licensed Social Worker (LMSW) Syracuse

Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

CABVI seeks a Licensed Social Worker/Benefits Coordinator (Syracuse) to deliver comprehensive social work services and direct case management for employees and consumers, focusing on employment, housing, and access to benefits.

The role includes benefit counseling, advocacy, and collaboration with NYSCB programs to support independent living and community integration. A Master’s in social work and licensure are required.

Qualifications

• Master’s in social work required with two years’ experience in human services.
• Certified NY State LMSW or LCSW required.

Responsibilities

• Direct Case Management for CABVI Employees and consumers – complete intakes, secure funding, coordinate rehab services.
• Assist employees in employment, housing and relocation barriers related to social services.
• Provide benefit counseling, case management and advocacy services for blind and visually impaired consumers.
• Secure community support and assist with HEAP, SNAP and housing applications.
• Educate employees about how employment affects benefits and income tracking.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting in coordination with SW Supervisor.

Skills

Case management

Benefit counseling

Advocacy

Communication

Education

Master’s in social work

Job description

Licensed Social Worker/Benefits Coordinator (Syracuse)

Provides a full range of psychological assessment, treatment planning and therapeutic mental health services for individuals. Develops and directs support group sessions.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, communication, teamwork, creativity, problem solving, dexterity, planning and organizational skills. Must understand medical plan requirements. Also requires the ability to get along well with a wide variety of personalities.

KEY JOB ELEMENTS

Direct Case Management for CABVI Employees and consumers – complete intakes, secure appropriate funding sources, coordinate all rehab services and ensure a smooth transition to community-based services. Assist employees and potential employees in all areas of social services as it relates to employment, housing and relocation and barriers in employment. Ensure ongoing communication with the CABVI team.

Assist blind and visually impaired consumers with social and job-related issues by providing benefit counseling, case management, and advocacy services.

Work with CABVI’s social work team in securing community support that agency employees and consumers might need, such as completing applications for HEAP, SNAP and/or housing. Exploring transportation opportunities as needed.

Complete Baseline Assessments and Social Casework Level 1 services for the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB). Recommend appropriate services once the assessment is completed. Explore entitlement assistance, housing opportunities, and provide case management services for the Social Casework Level 1 services. Provide social casework as needed for NYSCB Adaptive Living Program (ALP) consumers.

Educate CABVI visually impaired employees about the potential impact employment may have on benefits. Teach them how to report income, track work related expenses, communicate with social security, how to maintain financial records and document income. Advocate for employees. Provide training and information to CABVI management as it relates to this topic. Work with the employee to submit to complete the aforementioned, until independence can be achieved.

Work with SW Supervisor to ensure timely submittal and accuracy in reporting of all required documentation and reporting. Maintain and update backup documentation. Complete required filing. Work as a liaison with the payroll department.

Collects consumer data through review of case history, staff consultation, interview and/or psychological testing.

Selects appropriate treatment plan based on sound social work practice and medical plan guidelines.

Delivers individual and group counseling, applying therapeutic treatment interventions.

Reviews reliability and validity of treatment modalities; ensures QA/HIPAA compliance.

Consult with related professionals and refers to community-based services as necessary.

Presents social work-related programs to staff.

Remains current in profession through continuing education.

As part of the Rehabilitation team, actively participate in rehabilitation youth and adult development activities including adaptive sports and recreation.

Adapts to change and completes other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Consistently achieves annual performance objectives.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of social work principles, techniques and practices and their application to complex casework, groupwork, and community problems. Considerable knowledge of a wide range of behavior and psychosocial problems and diagnosis and treatment. Considerable knowledge of family and group \dynamics, a range of intervention techniques, governmental and private organizations, resources in the community, laws, regulations, and policies which govern the program, methods and principles of casework supervision and training. Skill in establishing rapport with a client and in applying techniques or assessing psychosocial, behavioral, and psychological aspects of client problems.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Must have ability to effectively present information, and respond to questions from children, parents, professionals and the general public. Must have ability to develop the consumer’s confidence and self-esteem. Requires excellent listening skills.

COMPUTER/TECHNICAL SKILLS

Must be proficient with computer and typing skills.

REASONING ABILITY

Must have ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Frequently required to talk or hear. Frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop and kneel. Required to engage in physical rehabilitation activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key job elements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primarily a position with travel required in our counties we serve. Noise level is moderate. Occasionally exposed to mechanical parts. Must be available for evening or weekend agency related functions, which may be outside of the agency.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Master’s in social work required with a minimum of two years’ experience in human services. Certified NY State LMSW or LCSW required. Must meet the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, Department of Special Education and the Department of Health personnel standards. Experienced with visually impaired population a plus. Knowledge of social security and other financial aid programs, such as HEAP and SNAP are helpful. Must meet the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, Department of Special Education and the Department of Health personnel standards. Experienced with visually impaired population a plus.

PAY RATE: $65,000/year

CABVI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic.

Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.