Director of Social Work

POSITION OBJECTIVE: To manage the social work services of the Ecumenical Outreach Partnership (EOP) program of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Saint Thomas Church. The social worker director of this outreach partnership located in mid-town Manhattan, NY will direct all facets of the client operation to: 1) enhance the quality of care and services offered to the most vulnerable in our midst by applying the specific social work skills to support those in need and 2) provide effective and client and staff management to EOP as it relates to the client experience.

In 2017, Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church established the Ecumenical Outreach Partnership, an outreach program to the homeless, as a collaborative ministry with St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Saint Thomas Church. With the three faith partners, EOP works together to engage and connect with the mid-town Manhattan homeless population. The program supports people living on the street, in the shelter system, or those insecurely sheltered; or people struggling with ramifications of poverty, unemployment, hunger, mental and physical illness, substance abuse, trauma and isolation.

The EOP program goal for each client is a form of self-empowerment facilitating progress on the continuum of care. To achieve that end, the social worker manages the day-to-day client interventions and services, working towards advancing outcomes in the core program pillars: housing, health and mental health, food security, and benefits assistance. Simultaneously, s/he oversees the day-to-day administrative responsibilities related to client case load, metrics and reporting. EOP works with clients by offering case management, referrals and direct assistance. Through a series of client touch points and/or staff recommendations, the social worker gauges the needs of our clients related to EOP’s core pillars. In concert with staff, s/he responds directly or supports EOP staff to identify the appropriate intervention strategy or method for each unique client. This position focuses on routine client needs and interventions, group programming, and outreach in the geographic vicinity of Midtown West. The social worker manages the case manager or case managers.

The Director of Social Work reports to the Director of Ecumenical Outreach Partnership. S/he will work closely with the Director of Outreach and Missions. The Director of Outreach and Missions will provide executive oversight of the programs to ensure program, mission and value alignment with Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, and the other sponsoring church partners.

The Director of Social Work is an employee of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, working onsite with clients and to manage staff.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain accurate client case records that include assessments, interventions and service plans, and case notes.
• Track and maintain client metrics and data related to case management, referrals and direct assistance.
• Contribute to grants, program narratives and reports by providing and supplying narratives, metrics, input on the client operation and needs for which EOP seeks funding or stakeholder engagement.
• Direct and adapt the program model as needed to respond to client needs, trends and the current environment.
• Assess client needs and engage clients through case management services and social work interventions. Provide referrals and direct assistance directly or by advising and consulting staff.
• Conduct outreach at partner churches as needed and assigned.
• Manage case manager(s) and direct all team case consultations as needed.
• Serve as a liaison between clients and support agencies and providers. Provide information and referrals (e.g., social security, medical appointment coordination). As appropriate, coordinate client care with partner providers (e.g., housing and healthcare providers) and other staff.
• Participate in all-staff meetings and, as appropriate, staff or lay-led events at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.
• Direct social worker interventions in a manner consistent with the EOP mission, Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church mission and the ethical standards of social work.
• Work in concert with the Director of EOP to prioritize new management processes, systems and reporting to improve the client experience and programming efficiencies.
• Provide case consultation as needed to vulnerable congregants.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in a human services field, with a Master of Social Work preferred.
• Licensed Social Worker strongly preferred or working towards licensing within six months of hire.
• Three to five years of experience addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, with proven clinical assessment skills.
• Experience in crisis counseling and street outreach with homeless or mentally ill populations.
• Demonstrated interventions relevant to social work.
• Experience managing staff.
• Bilingual (Spanish) strongly preferred.
• Organizational and communication skills to manage administrative details and client needs.

PERSONAL QUALITIES DESIRED:

• Professional commitment to the EOP mission, and the mission and values of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.
• Knowledge of current trends in social work and mental wellness, as well as New York City agency specific services that support the homeless (e.g., New York City Department of Homeless Services).
• Cultural competency and fluency interacting with the homeless, mentally ill, and non-English speakers.
• A professional demeanor with a collaborative and adaptive work style.
• A self-starter, who is also self-directed.
• Comfortable working within a complex, faith-based setting with multiple competing priorities.

To apply, please email your cover letter, resume and three professional references to eop@fapc.org. Only complete applications will be considered. No phone calls please.

Applicants of all experiences and diversities are welcome to apply. Application will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.