Description
Position Overview
The Social Worker provides clinical social work services to families residing in the shelter, offering psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, mental health and domestic violence screening, and brief therapeutic support. Clinical services are provided under the LCSW supervision of the Director of Social Services, in accordance with NYS Education Law Article 154. Working in close collaboration with case managers and the Director of Social Services, the Social Worker addresses the clinical and behavioral health dimensions of family functioning and ensures families are connected to appropriate specialized services, while maintaining the confidentiality standards required under NYC Local Law 35 (2023).
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Assessment and Intervention
Conduct biopsychosocial assessments for newly admitted families and ongoing clinical assessments as needs emerge, under LCSW supervision.
Screen families for domestic violence, mental health concerns, substance use, and trauma history; complete required screenings (e.g., Columbia Protocol, DV screening) in accordance with DHS standards.
Provide crisis intervention and short-term clinical support to families in acute distress.
Facilitate brief individual and family counseling sessions as clinically indicated, under the supervision of the Director of Social Services (LCSW).
Inform residents that mental health services are voluntary and that certain disclosures may require mandatory reporting under Social Services Law Title 6 and Mental Hygiene Law §9.46.
Assess for child welfare concerns and make mandated reports in accordance with law; coordinate with ACS as required.
Confidentiality and Information Management (Local Law 35)
Maintain strict confidentiality of all information shared during the provision of mental health services; information from clinical sessions may not be disclosed to shelter staff, DHS, or contractors without the resident's express written consent.
Apply mandatory reporting exceptions to confidentiality as required by Social Services Law Title 6 and Mental Hygiene Law §9.46, and document such disclosures appropriately.
Maintain clinical records separately from shelter case management records to protect resident privacy.
Contribute to LL35 annual reporting data, including types of services provided and caseload information.
Care Coordination and Referrals
Develop clinical referral plans and connect families to mental health treatment, substance use services, domestic violence programs, and other specialized resources.
Maintain collaborative relationships with community-based mental health providers, hospitals, and behavioral health systems.
Consult with and provide clinical guidance to case managers on complex cases involving mental health, DV, trauma, or child welfare, within applicable confidentiality requirements.
Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences, critical incident debriefs, and team meetings.
Coordinate with case managers on integrated service planning that addresses both housing and clinical goals.
Documentation and Compliance
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely clinical documentation in CARES and BCS systems in accordance with DHS standards and LL35 confidentiality requirements.
Participate in regular clinical supervision with the Director of Social Services (LCSW).
Adhere to all applicable professional ethics standards, NYS licensing requirements, and BCS policies.
Participate in ongoing professional development and required training.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Education: Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) required.
Licensure: LMSW required; LCSW preferred. Clinical services provided by an LMSW in this role are performed under the supervision of the Director of Social Services (LCSW), consistent with NYS Education Law Article 154. An LCSW in this role would satisfy an additional LL35 mental health professional unit for the shelter.
Experience: Minimum of two years of post-graduate clinical social work experience; experience in shelter, housing, family services, or behavioral health strongly preferred.
Knowledge: Working knowledge of trauma-informed practice, domestic violence dynamics, child welfare, mental health, NYC community-based resources, and NYC Local Law 35 (2023) confidentiality requirements. Familiarity with DHS shelter standards and CARES system a plus.
Skills: Strong clinical assessment, crisis intervention, and documentation skills. Ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment while maintaining appropriate clinical confidentiality boundaries.
Other: Bilingual ability (Spanish or another language spoken in the community served) strongly preferred. Candidates will be subject to a criminal background check in accordance with applicable law, including NYC Fair Chance Act requirements.
BCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
