Synagogue Partnership Social Worker

DOROT; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Federal holidays

Parental leave

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

Job summary

DOROT, based on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, is seeking a Synagogue Partnership Social Worker to support hundreds of older adults and caregivers across nine synagogues. The role blends in-office collaboration and community outreach in a hybrid schedule, with leadership of support groups and program development.

Ideal candidates have LMSW/LMHC credentials and at least four years of relevant experience, with a deep understanding of aging in NYC and strong collaboration skills with clergy,

Qualifications

• LMSW or LMHC required.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong knowledge of services for NYC older adults and caregivers.
• Experience working with volunteers is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support up to 250 older adults annually with psycho-social assessments, case assistance, referrals, and counseling.
• Lead or co-lead groups on social isolation, bereavement, caregiving, and related topics.
• Enter and maintain case notes in Salesforce; provide information and referrals.
• Collaborate with synagogue staff, lay leaders, and managers to promote program opportunities.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Group facilitation

Presentation skills

Salesforce

Microsoft Office

Education

LMSW or Licensed Mental Health Clinician

Job description

LOCATION

DOROT is headquartered on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and the team works on a hybrid schedule. The Synagogue Partnerships Social Worker will be expected to work in the office 3 days per week and as business needs require.

ABOUT DOROT

Founded in 1976, DOROT (“generations” in Hebrew) facilitates a dynamic partnership between older adults, volunteers, and professionals through programs designed to combat social isolation and loneliness and bring the generations together. DOROT is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults in the Jewish and wider community to help them live more independently as valued community members. Compassion and a commitment to excellence are hallmarks of DOROT’s programs and staff. The agency is a recognized innovative leader in mobilizing volunteers and infusing social work into its service delivery model. Our vast offerings of programs are conducted onsite, in the home, remotely, and in the community.

ABOUT THE CONSTITUENT & COMMUNITY SERVICES (CCS) DEPARTMENT

The CCS department provides a range of supportive services that assist older adults in aging in place and connecting to programs and resources that help them thrive and build vital social connections. The department provides support to a broad spectrum of older adults who range in age from 60 to over 100 and vary in physical mobility from highly active in the community to predominantly home-based. To support our social work model of service delivery, staff in CCS are consulted by colleagues throughout the agency as constituent needs arise. The robust CCS portfolio includes Case Assistance, Information & Referral, Kosher Meals at Home, Friendly Visiting, Home Assessments, and Synagogue Partnerships.

ABOUT THE SYNAGOGUE PARTNERSHIP (SPP) PROGRAM

DOROT’s Synagogue Partnership Program currently supports nine synagogues in Manhattan, representing the full range of denominations within the Jewish community. The SPP team enhances synagogues’ relationships with their older congregants by offering unique expertise on the evolving needs of older adults and providing social work support to clergy, staff, lay leaders, older adults, and caregivers.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Synagogue Partnership Social Worker serves as a vital link between DOROT and the Jewish community, ensuring that synagogues and older adult congregants have access to and benefit from DOROT’s expertise, social work model, and programming. The Social Worker will have the exciting opportunity to help DOROT deepen existing relationships and foster partnerships with new synagogues. The ideal candidate is a resourceful, confident, and creative team member who has strong individual and group clinical skills; the ability to gain the trust and cooperation of synagogue staff, lay leaders, and members of each congregation; and experience in cultivating relationships through community building activities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be a vital member of a two-person team supporting upwards of 250 older adults annually in one-time and ongoing interactions.
• Conduct outreach calls and home visits to older adults and caregivers and provide support to members of each synagogue based on their unique needs. This includes but is not limited to: completing comprehensive psycho-social assessments and providing case assistance, supportive counseling, and information and referrals to DOROT programs and other community services.
• Serve as a liaison to nine synagogue partners, working in collaboration with the Manager of Synagogue Partnerships Program on promoting awareness of DOROT, creating program opportunities, and strategic growth,
• Carry a caseload of at a minimum of 20 Friendly Visiting matches between older adult synagogue congregants and volunteer friendly visitors.
• Work with rabbis, synagogue staff, and lay leaders on issues related to older adults and caregivers.
• Stay up to date on relevant issues that relate to aging in the community.
• Collaborate with the Manager of SPP on presentations to synagogue communities related to aging, social isolation, and other topics relevant to older adults and caregivers.
• Lead or co-lead support groups on issues of social isolation, bereavement, caregiving, and other relevant topics.
• Support lay leaders in synagogue caring committees.
• Enter and maintain case assessment and related client interactions using DOROTs’ online database (Salesforce); this includes routine data entry and timely case note documentation.
• Information & Referral helpline coverage, as needed.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Representing DOROT at community outreach events, networking opportunities, conferences, and synagogue events
• Collaborating with peers and other departments to enhance the agency’s overall goals and impact:
  • With Community Outreach and Marketing and Communication staff, for ongoing promotion and recruitment of older adults and volunteers.
  • With Volunteer Services and Intergenerational Engagement departments, to identify older adults for certain program opportunities.
  • With the Advancement team, to identify appropriate candidates for media/promotional opportunities
• Assisting with writing, developing, and distributing materials to promote the SPP.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• LMSW or Licensed Mental Health Clinician required
• A minimum of 4 years of professional relevant work experience preferred
• Deep knowledge of and experience with issues and resources that relate to and help meet the needs of older adults and caregivers, particularly in New York City
• Fundamental understanding of how professional and lay synagogue leaders’ function and support congregants and other constituents
• A self-starter who takes initiative and has a successful track record in working both independently and as part of a team
• Passion and sensitivity for DOROT’s Mission and the particular needs of Manhattan’s Jewish communities
• Strong interpersonal, clinical, group facilitation, and presentation skills
• Strong written, verbal, and organizational skills
• Experience working with volunteers a plus
• Availability to work approximately 8 Sundays and/or work nights per year for programs or events; this includes up to four events that may not be within your regular scope of work
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Salesforce or a similar constituent management system/database and experience with Canva a plus
• This position requires use of public transportation for occasional visits to older adults’ homes. Travel expenses are covered by DOROT.

WHY WORK WITH US

At DOROT, we believe that the power of connection can be transformative. Working with us means that you will have:

• The ability to make an impact. DOROT is a mission-driven organization filled with passionate people focused on having a positive impact on the lives of our clients.
  
• Generous time off. DOROT offers 20 days of vacation per year, 10 paid Federal holidays and up to as many as 13 paid Jewish holidays, as well as early office closures on Fridays. We also provide fully paid Parental Leave and other generous Leave policies.
  
• Healthcare benefits. Medical, vision, dental, short-term disability, life insurance, and more. We offer a choice of benefits to ensure that you and your family are taken care of.
  
• Support to plan for your future. DOROT currently offers all employees an opportunity to participate in the 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan immediately upon hire. Additionally, DOROT will make discretionary quarterly contributions to eligible employees’ 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan in the quarter following completion of 2 years of service with eligibility for increasing contributions for employees with more than 5 and more than 10 years of service.

Candidates can expect an annualized base salary between $65,000-$70,000 commensurate with experience.

It is the policy of DOROT, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified individuals for employment or advancement without discrimination because of race, color, religion creed, political association, ancestry, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, age, veteran status, pregnancy, handicap disability, genetic, genetic characteristics, or other protected status.