Social Worker (CSWA or LCSW)

Position Summary:  

The Social Worker is responsible for social work services delivered by Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO). These include counseling and case management, education on the topic of psychosocial issues and available community resources, and advocacy for the Parkinson’s patient (PWP) and their family in the larger community. 

The social worker will use professional skills to assess, intervene, and educate in cases where psychosocial needs generate a referral from staff colleagues or community partners. The social worker shall use the relationship with the client, built on trust and empowerment, to encourage an effective use of services along the continuum of care. The goal is to restore or maintain the client’s independent function to the fullest extent possible and maximize quality of life while dealing with Parkinson’s disease. A typical week may involve interactions with 20-25 clients. 

This position works closely with other staff members to ensure smooth implementation of all agency activities. In addition, this position contributes to evaluation and reporting on programs and processes to assure that they are consistent with client needs, PRO strategic agenda, and are based on up-to-date research, theory, and best practice.  

General Duties:  

• Provide time-limited case management services for PWP and their families around specific concerns, such as increased level of care need, process to apply for government aid, family decision making around providing care, or end of life concerns. 
• Provide short-term telephone, video, or face to face supportive counseling to Parkinson’s patients and their families around issues related to the impact of PD.  
• Provide biopsychosocial assessments and appropriate follow up in the context of multidisciplinary Parkinson’s clinics with partners from the healthcare community.  
• Answer and respond to Helpline calls as part of PRO program services team. 
• Serve as a resource for Helpline calls which require more detailed contact. Provide follow-up coordination as needed. 
• Refer and provide support in making connections to appropriate providers for clients in need of long-term services, or whose needs require intervention beyond the scope of PRO.  
• Document professional services provided to clients while maintaining appropriate levels of confidentiality. Develop oral and written reports as required. 
• Facilitate 3-4 special interest support groups monthly. 
• Continue to develop and re-evaluate PRO social work services to meet organizational, community and client needs. 
• Coordinate Caregiver Reimbursement program, to include client evaluation and screening, follow up and annual reporting. 
• Provide services as a theme speaker on psychosocial issues to support groups, professional networks, and caregiver training programs. 
• Provide staff support and leadership as requested on special projects and committees as assigned. 
• Build awareness of PRO’s work in the larger community – to include networking with other social workers serving older adults and chronically ill populations and professional staff with local neurology practices. 

Qualifications: 

The ideal candidate will possess… 

• CSWA or LCSW preferred. 
• Comfort working with clients with chronic progressive illness, including experience with difficult family dynamics, cognitive impairment, challenges in the healthcare system, and end of life issues.  
• Ability to work independently while demonstrating excellent teamwork.   
• Skills in program development and evaluation. 
• Comfort working in a small non-profit environment. 
• Excellent communication skills, including writing and public speaking. 
• Ability to initiate, manage and complete multiple tasks on time. 
• Demonstrated ability to work well with a diverse population including clients, families, board, volunteers and community partners is required. 
• Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office required. 
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. 
• The selected candidate will possess a genuine interest and passion for the work Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon does and be committed to the mission of the organization. 

The salary range for this position is $63,000 to $66,000, pending experience and tenure. Benefits package includes 3 weeks paid vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, paid medical and dental insurance, and employer match to SIMPLE IRA.  Limited remote considered upon successful onboard and with WFH plan in place.