PURPOSE OF JOB

The Social Work Intern assesses the social services needs of customers and connects them to appropriate resources in the community. In addition to making referrals, the Social Work Intern assists with discrete social services tasks on site.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Meets with customers, assesses needs, and makes referrals to community resources.
2. Assists in-the-moment with discrete social services tasks (e.g. benefits applications).
3. Identifies agreed-upon steps that customers can take to address their own needs; empowers them with tools or information necessary to take those steps.
4. Follows up with customers to evaluate the outcome of referrals and interventions.
5. Sets boundaries with customers and redirects requests that fall outside the scope of the service.
6. Researches and actively maintains knowledge of resources in library communities. 
7. Maintains professionalism and confidentiality when interacting with all staff and customers.
8. Communicates with library staff to problem solve and get support, as needed.
9. Assists with related Life Skills Social Services projects as needed and time permits.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

1. Social Work student earning a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
2. Knowledge of Central Ohio social services resources.
3. Must be available to work a minimum of 15 hour per week.
4. Excellent organization and communication skills; including office phone etiquette and writing skills.
5. Ability to work independently when necessary.
6. A professional presence is required, including business casual attire, promptness and communication.
7. Ability to operate library technology including personal computer, email, and software programs (i.e. Windows/Microsoft Office) and other job related equipment and systems.
8. Ability to utilize reliable transportation to promptly report to job assignment and other locations, per job requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Day-to-day duties of Social Work Interns at the library are guided by the student’s Learning Agreement. Social Work Interns also adhere to their college and Columbus Metropolitan Library policies and procedures. Expectations of the college and library will be communicated by Field and Task Instructors at the start of an internship.

The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, libraries, and residences or commercial vehicles (e.g., use of safe workplace practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals, and/or working in moderate outdoor weather conditions).

Work requires occasional lifting or pushing of up to 20 lbs. and the frequent lifting or pushing of up to 10 lbs.