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Employer:        Rochester Spinal Association

Job Title:         Social Worker, Gun Violence Survivors

Classification:  Full-time (37.5 hrs/week), Non-exempt

Salary:               $65,000 annually / $33.33 per hour

Reports to:       Executive Director

Send resume and cover letter to: RSA@rochesterspinalassociation.org

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The mission of the Rochester Spinal Association (RSA) is to enhance the quality of life of people living with spinal cord injuries in the greater Rochester region and the social worker plays a vital role in achieving this mission.

 

The Social Worker (SW) will act as an advocate for clients, all of whom are individuals with spinal cord injuries due to gun violence. The SW will be part of a team assessing clients, gathering relevant information about goals, and contacting and making referrals to other agencies and services. The SW will assist the person in completing paperwork, scheduling and attending appointments, connecting to community resources, and fostering independence. In addition, the SW will be an intermediary between individuals and the confusing bureaucracies often involved in the life of someone with a spinal cord injury, by providing advocacy, education, and assistance.

 

The SW will maintain a caseload of approximately 15 individuals with spinal cord injuries. Most of these clients will be people whose injuries occurred within the past 24 months. All of them will be individuals whose spinal cord injuries are the result of gun violence and similar acts of violence.

 

Social Worker Responsibilities:

  • Help clients connect to what they need in order to thrive:

    • Health care services and therapies

    • Health insurance

    • Affordable, accessible housing

    • Transportation options

    • Vocational and Educational supports

    • Adapted recreation

    • Sources of income

    • Other services and supports based on client’s needs and goals

  • Assist with assessments of clients' situation to determine needs and goals

  • Assist client to complete connections to agencies providing vital services

  • Collaborate with RSA colleagues, including social worker, registered nurse, and executive director

  • Facilitate client enrollment in programs, such as job training and transportation

  • Assist clients with applications for benefits and entitlement programs

  • Advocate for client needs and foster independence

  • Assist clients to secure services which lead to living independently in their own homes

  • Provide person-centered support, respecting the unique needs and preferences of all individuals

  • Schedule appointments for and with clients, as needed

  • Build trust and rapport with clients and family members by being available, reliable, and accessible

  • Be flexible in communication styles and methods

  • Must be comfortable working in low-income, urban neighborhoods

  • Maintain accurate records and reports

  • Participate in training, supervision, and meetings

  • Research and develop a familiarity with local social service agencies and providers for easy access

  • Communicate and collaborate with client’s care teams

  • Manage time effectively and balance client priorities and needs

 

Service Coordinator Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in social work

  • 2+ years of experience in social work / service coordination / case management. Community-based practice preferred.

  • Personal or professional experience with spinal cord injury is a plus

  • Awareness of health care and social services in the greater Rochester region

  • Experience working with clients that are affected by childhood adversity, chronic health conditions, poverty, structural barriers

  • Proficiency with relevant services in the community to support the health and independence of a person living with a spinal cord injury

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

  • Commitment to diversity and cultural humility

  • General proficiency with smart phones and computers

  • Valid driver's license, insurance, and personal vehicle

 

 

The Rochester Spinal Association provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

 

RSA does not to discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in regard to application procedures, hiring, advancement, discharge, compensation, training or other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. RSA will provide reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants otherwise capable of performing the essential functions of the job.

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