Employment Opportunity

Social Worker (MSW)

Job Description:

Provide individualized assessment and interaction to referred individuals of all ages, who are blind/legally blind and reside, work or are enrolled in an education program within the eight counties of WNY to increase independence in accordance with the service plan and needs from a vision-based perspective

Essential Functions:

• Provide counseling and community linkages to individuals of all ages as referred to VIA
• Maximize the safety, functionality and independence of clients
• Assess the needs of the client, establish goals and lesson plans for achievement
• Document progress/outcomes and complete all reporting within established VIA and NYSCB contractual guidelines
• Maintain all electronic documentation in accordance with established guidelines for all assigned individuals
• Provide individualized, and/or in some cases group services, in individual’s homes, the community and/or center based in accordance to NYSCB contractual guidelines
• Provide short-term vision psychotherapy (SCW2) in accordance with NYSCB contractual guidelines (LMSW required)
• Facilitate adaptive adjustment to blindness through short-term behavioral therapy, vision adjustment counseling, community resource linkages and assisting clients in obtaining and maintaining benefits in accordance to NYSCB contractual guidelines
• Prepare paperwork and lesson plans, and prioritize cases based on assessment’s identified goals and needs
• Provision of 1:1, family and group counseling as needed and in accordance with NYSCB contractual guidelines and refer for continued care when appropriate
• Provide continuous and regular visits to meet identified goals and achieve successful outcomes
• Complete all reporting and data entry to both internal and external databases in accordance with established guidelines, including case closure in timely manner
• Communicate regularly and effectively with clients, teachers, parents, VIA and NYSCB staff to ensure successful outcomes
• Develop and implement curriculum for summer youth programs
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of community resources
• Attend conferences, seminars and trainings related to the provision of Social Work
• Complete and submit applications for benefits and social services as needed
• Acquire appropriate CEUs in order to maintain LMSW Licensure
• Works closely with BSW; provides assistance and support as needed
• Attend and be prepared for all NYSCB, departmental and VIA agency meetings
• Lead and/or participate in the development of special programs or projects at the direction of the Vice President or Assistant Director of Rehabilitation Services
• Act as Mandatory Reporter if necessary and complete annual on-line training certification
• Provide instruction to students attending Workforce, Onsite, YES or any VIA program as directed
• Sit on agency or external collaborating agency committees acting as a liaison to inform staff on external organizations/policies as ell as keeping other agencies informed on VIA
• Participate and provide supervision to UB MSW student interns

Competencies:

• Proficient in use of MS Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet along with general applications
• Demonstrate excellent internal and external customer service
• Caring and counseling skills with an ability to balance agency policy with the individual perceptions and sensitivity of clients
• Demonstrate patience, flexibility, and detail orientation in completion of duties
• Effectively work with individuals of diverse backgrounds
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in a fast paced environment
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and development

Qualifications:

• Completion of MSW Degree required
• LMSW required for provision of short-term psychotherapy (SCW2)
• NYS driver’s license and reliable transportation OR the ability to travel effectively within assigned geographic area required
• Regularly lift and carry equipment of 15 pounds or more
• Regularly sit for a minimum of 2 hours at a time
• Regularly stand for a minimum of 2 hours at a time
• Regularly perform repetitive motion of the wrists, hands and/or fingers