Social Worker

Hillel Staten Island

Role Overview

The JCC of Staten Island’s Hillel is seeking a dedicated full time Social Worker to join our team, playing a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of our diverse and vibrant student body. This opportunity offers a unique platform to enhance the social emotional, and spiritual well-being of students navigating challenges beyond the typical college experience.

As a valued member of our community, you will bring your compassion, flexibility, and sincere dedication to student success to the forefront of our efforts. As part of our team, you will lead group sessions, actively contribute to staff teamwork, and facilitate wellness initiatives. By fostering meaningful connections and providing vital support, you will not only make an immediate impact, but also contribute to the long-term growth and vitality of our Jewish community.

We work at two campuses and our student population is very diverse, coming from various socioeconomic backgrounds and encompassing a wide range of identities. Many students are first-generation college attendees. Some juggle multiple responsibilities beyond academia. As such, our role at Hillel is to elevate their college and Jewish experiences, empowering them to navigate and contribute to various Jewish spaces. Many students arrive with a limited knowledge or interest in Jewish life, presenting an opportunity for exploration and growth within our Hillel community. It is important that we divide our time equally at both campuses ensuring the success of the students.

Join us in shaping the future of Hillel Staten Island and making a lasting difference in the lives of our students.

What You’ll Do

Your responsibilities as a Social worker at Hillel Staten Island will encompass a diverse range of tasks aimed at supporting our students and fostering a thriving community. Here’s what you’ll be doing:

Relationship Building

• Build meaningful relationships with students of diverse backgrounds and experiences with an orientation toward wellbeing promotion and deepened involvement in Jewish life;
• Guide and empower student leaders and interns to develop and lead meaningful wellness experiences based on their peers’ needs and interests;
• Work with staff members to infuse meaningful wellness promotion into current Jewish life experiences

Resource Management, Outreach and Referral

• Oversee our collaboration with MetCouncil food pantry distribution, ensuring efficient operation and meeting students’ needs.
• Build relationships with key referral supports in the community and on each campus including the university counseling center and student crisis response team.
• Manage and update resources regularly, including social media, and employ creative methods to inform students about available resources.
• Connect students with culturally-sensitive services and resources.

Student Support and Campus Engagement

• Spend several hours each week overseeing Hillel lounges on both campuses, providing an opportunity to interact with students in a relaxed environment and further develop relationships
• Be available for evening programming several times each semester, engaging with students during after-hours events.

What you Bring

• MSW is required, LMSW preferred
• Experience working with college students or young adults to access supports in New York City to address issues such as food insecurity, job readiness, domestic neglect or violence, sexual abuse/assault, and financial literacy.
• Warmth, flexibility, and a genuine interest in the success of our students at every level.
• Strong emotional intelligence, effective facilitation and communication skills, and a commitment to building long-term relationships with students throughout their college career.
• Your authentic self as well as the ability to maintain clear boundaries, model professionalism and teach coping skills to students.
• Passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and contributing to a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community.

What You’ll Receive

• Salary range of 60-70K
• Medical benefits, 403B retirement plan
• Access to both national and local cohorts for professional trainings and support, enabling you to stay updated on best practices and connect with other professionals in your field.
• Opportunity to attend an annual professional conference, providing valuable networking opportunities and exposure to the latest developments in your field.
• Commitment to fostering a culture of self care, work life balance, and dynamic work environments, prioritizing your mental and physical health.

We are deeply committed to providing robust support for our staff. Our organizational culture prioritizes mutual respect, understanding, and work-life balance. We offer fair compensation, prioritize mental and physical health, and provide opportunities for professional development.

About Hillel Staten Island

Hillel Staten Island provides a unique, intimate Jewish experience, reflective of the diverse and vibrant community it serves. Situated in a dynamic borough of New York City, it offers students the chance to deeply engage with Jewish life and learning against the backdrop of the city's rich cultural tapestry. This smaller setting presents an unparalleled opportunity for individual impact and community building.

About the JCC of Staten Island

The Jewish Community Center of Staten Island was founded in 1929 with the goal of creating a home for the Jewish community by offering social, recreational, and educational activities. Over time, that mission expanded to help anyone who walked through the doors of any of our facilities. The JCC has become a true community center-not just for the Jewish community, but for the entirety of Staten Island. Most recently, the JCC entered into a Management Agreement with the Hillel of Staten Island, a one of its kind endeavor.