Social Worker (older adults)

In an effort to provide more holistic services, Colorado Legal Services’ Colorado Springs office is piloting a social worker position. The social worker will build program capacity to navigate community resources and work directly with older adult (60+) clients facing barriers to engaging and succeeding in their legal case (e.g. housing insecurity, medical issues, psychological distress, etc.). 

Duties and responsibilities

• Interview older adult clients and assess legal, social, possible medical, psychological and other needs to assist them to better navigate the legal process, using the social determinants of health;
• Provide brief and limited advocacy and emotional support to address older adult clients’ psychosocial needs in order to refer to and coordinate counseling, medical and mental health treatment, housing, public benefits, and other social services;
• Coordinate communication with and advocate on behalf of older adult clients to law enforcement, government agencies, social service agencies, educational institutions, medical and legal professionals, and others to help clients understand and navigate systems;
• Assist Managing Attorney in measuring and reporting data as required by grant agreement;
• Participate in meetings and provide information to staff in the Colorado Springs Office concerning community referrals and services available to older adult clients;
• Keep current on area resources available and relevant to CLS clients’ needs.
• Adhere to Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct, including rules regarding the attorney-client privilege and client confidentiality.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours expected.

Qualifications

Must have master’s degree from a School of Social Work accredited by the Council of Social Work Education, understanding of gerontology, and ability to assess implication of physical, mental health, substance abuse issues, and neurological conditions on development across the lifespan. Empathy will be essential for establishing effective working relationships with clients, families, and agency partners. Experience working with low income and older adult populations, familiarity with the legal system, and Spanish fluency strongly preferred.