Social Workers, Housing-Mt. Vernon and Poughkeepsie, NY

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley

 http://www.lshv.org

Job Type: Housing – Social Worker
 

About Us 

For more than 50 years, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) has been providing free, high-quality legal counsel in civil matters when basic human needs are at stake including: eviction and foreclosure prevention, domestic violence, disability, elder law, healthcare, consumer fraud and more.  Our services support almost 600,000 poor and low-income families and individuals who cannot afford an attorney in our seven-county service area.  With the gap separating those who can and cannot afford legal representation widening each day, we work to ensure that everyone has equal access to justice, regardless of their ability to pay.  As the only provider of comprehensive civil legal services in the lower and mid-Hudson Valley (Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan), LSHV is proud to have handled over 12,000 cases impacting nearly 27,500 household members including 10,000 children last year. LSHV is made up of ten offices, and a dedicated and highly skilled staff of attorneys, paralegals and administrative professionals.

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley is dedicated to building a highly skilled workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We are committed to racial justice and promoting equity for all, and we continuously review and strengthen our processes and practices to empower our staff, clients and the communities we serve. Respect is a cornerstone of relationships among our staff.  Our affinity groups are self-directed and provide a space for members to support one another and their shared vision. We encourage applications from people of all identities.

Position Description

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley has openings in two of our offices- Mt. Vernon and Poughkeepsie, NY- for Social Workers in their housing units to provide holistic and comprehensive interdisciplinary representation to individuals with housing matters including eviction, unlawful lockouts, habitability issues, emergency housing denials, and succession rights challenges. The housing Social Worker will collaborate closely with housing Staff Attorneys and Paralegals to advocate and support low-to-moderate income tenants to maintain housing in the lower and mid-Hudson Valley. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide ongoing case management to prevent eviction and displacement. 
• Conduct initial and ongoing needs assessments
• Conduct psychosocial assessments to individuals with various forms of trauma, mental illness, substance abuse, psychosocial, and family stability support. 
• Develop individual client centered service plans in collaboration with housing Staff Attorneys, Paralegals, service providers, and advocates. 
• Identify and establish relationships with community providers including the Department of Social Services, medical and social service providers. 
• Provide crisis intervention and referrals to appropriate services to address immediate client needs.
• Draft and provide client supportive affidavits
• Appear in court appearances and testify on behalf of clients when needed.
• Educate and provide trainings to community resources and agency staff
• Assist with enrolling and accessing public benefits, social services, medical care, and any other relevant systems and services. 
• Conduct occasional home visits to assess housing conditions, assess client needs, and provide case management assistance as needed.

Qualifications:
 

• Master of Social Work degree from an accredited college
• Two or more years working in related social work fields, providing case management and client advocacy
• A demonstrated passion for social justice and a commitment to working with low-income communities and communities of color to advance equity
• Experience and comfort working with individuals experiencing complex trauma, mental health concerns, and substance abuse
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, local organizations, and people in crisis.
• Ability to work both effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and independently to manage case load, day-by-day client needs, and meet deadlines.

Preferred:

• Proficiency or fluency in Spanish or other languages commonly spoken by clients in the communities we serve.
• Valid and current LMSW or LCSW in the state of NY
• Knowledge of housing resources, legal policies, procedures, and court systems
• Experience providing client advocacy related to housing and benefits 
• Outstanding organizational, planning, and time management skills
• Excellent writing, communication, and oral presentation skills
• Valid driver’s license and access to a car
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, research, and willingness to learn and adapt to new technology systems.

Salary: $65,000 to $85,000, DOE, with excellent benefits that include medical, dental, vision, life insurance and long-term disability coverages, as well as a defined contribution to 403b, loan repayment assistance and paid parental leave.  After a brief probationary period, this position may permit work from home up to two days per week.

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley is a proud equal opportunity employer. People of all races, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability and veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.