Social Worker

The Town of Ashland is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Social Worker. The Social Worker serves as the primary liaison for Town-wide human services policies and procedures. This position is responsible for acting as a central access point for Ashland residents seeking social services, including referral assistance, crisis intervention, and financial support. The role involves helping residents identify appropriate resources, providing case management and support, disseminating relevant information, and coordinating referrals.

Annual Salary: $65,000 - $75,000

Schedule: 40 hours per week

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for maintaining and revising protocols and procedures for the human services division.
• Provides comprehensive case management for clients. Makes an assessment of client needs regarding physical and mental health, ability to function; provides care management services to identify appropriate action and options available to the resident in need.
• Works to:
  • Conduct in-home visits, office meetings and phone conversations with residents to identify needs for service and make appropriate referrals for services;
  • Provide case management and support to residents and their family members through mediation and family meetings; maintains accurate and current records of client interactions as well as the resources available to them.
  • Assist residents to apply for services, food stamps, fuel assistance, Medicaid or other assistance.
• Provide follow-up case management for residents that have accessed services or have participated in the Jail Diversion Program.
• Build partnerships with human services agencies.
• Work with various human services task forces, such as the Hoarding Task Force, to address social emotional issues.
• Works with Town departments, schools, and public safety to ensure that the Town is providing families in need with efficient and comprehensive assistance.
• Assist the team with Food Resources pickup, drop off, orders, and walk-ins at the Food Pantry.
• Identify emerging human services issues.
• Create a referral network for the departments of Youth and Family Services, Elder Services, and Veterans Services.
• Attends professional meetings and classes regarding issues related to the human services department.
• Provides information and education through the Town website, social media, public presentations, and written reports.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The employee works under the direction of the Director of Prevention & Human Services. The employee plans and prioritizes the majority of the work independently, in accordance with standard practices and previous training. The employee is expected to solve most problems of detail or unusual situations by adapting methods or interpreting instructions. Instructions for new assignments usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines or priorities. Technical and policy issues or changes are discussed with the supervisor. The work is generally reviewed only for technical adequacy and appropriateness of decisions. Methods are not usually reviewed in detail.

SUPERVISION PROVIDED

Provide guidance and supervision to the Case Manager.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Social work or related human services field (Master’s preferred), 3-5 years of social services experience. State Certification as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (preferred).

KNOWLEDGE ABILITY AND SKILL

Knowledge: Knowledge of available services to address social, emotional, and financial issues.

Abilities: Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, to be a good listener, display sensitivity to the needs of residents, and have strong social and interpersonal skills.

Skill: Skill in standard office equipment and computer applications.

Physical Skills

Little or no physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. There will be some occasional lifting of food pantry items and other various office items.

https://www.ashlandmass.com/453/Benefits