Job Information
City of Cambridge Licensed Social Worker in Cambridge, Massachusetts
ABOUT THE ROLE: The Cambridge Public Library with its seven locations and mission of service to all is an important pathway for delivery of social services to the public. In partnership with Library and City staff, the Library Social Worker will foster equity and access to behavioral health, substance misuse, housing, employment, education, and other resources by engaging vulnerable populations at the Library and in the community. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Libraries. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Specific duties include but are not limited to the following: Resource provision and navigation: Meet with patrons one on one by Zoom, phone, or in person Perform a range of direct assistance to patrons such as referrals to area agencies, assistance completing applications, resource navigation, mental health or substance misuse linkage, and coordinating resources for personal care. Based on clinical experience, provide important components of care to the community that may include the following: clinical intake assessment of needs for services, advocacy, consultation, direct social work services, mediation, referrals to resources and collaboration with partners. Provide direct and indirect services to vulnerable populations including homeless adults, elder populations, immigrants, youth and families, and victims in dealing with a variety of issues such as those related to mental health, domestic violence, crime and/or trauma. Conduct assessments to determine and develop needs and resources in both family and community support and assist with case referrals. Assist with case management and periodic reviews and use appropriate software and databases for required reports and statistical analysis. Provide crisis intervention services to individuals or groups as required during a traumatic incident or upon request by Library Administration. Convey information and explain actions to patrons with varying expectations, needs, cultures and languages and determine the best means to communicate with patrons Participate in outreach efforts such as the City?s Multi-Disciplinary Outreach Team. Training and Education: Assist with planning and implementation of Library policy through a lens of clinical experience Seek opportunities to promote programs or resources that meet the needs of groups such as at-risk youth, community groups and other partners that work with the Library. Develop and maintain relationships with library colleagues, community resources, city and state departments, and community leaders, including the Department of Human Service Programs and Police Department. Provide and facilitate trainings for library staff including topics such as conflict resolution, de-escalation, homelessness services, mental illness, substance misuse, and stress management. Communicate and consult regularly with library staff including after difficult patron incidents. Participate in professional conferences, trainings, and meetings to keep up to date with best practices. Collaborate with library staff on projects such as community services guides for social services and special populations. Act as a human services resource and use clinical judgment and knowledge to provide information. May recruit, train, and supervise Social Work graduate student interns.