Program Overview:
The Support and Connection Center (Center) provides 24/7 short stay, engagement, stabilization, and treatment services for adults with mental health and/or substance use issues referred directly by NYPD as an alternative to the traditional police responses of arrest, summons, or transport to an emergency room. Guests are referred to the Center when their infractions are non-violent and/or low-level offenses such as loitering, trespass, public inebriation, and disorderly conduct. The goal of the Center is to help guests begin to identify and modify the behaviors that result in repeated police contact. An OASAS licensed outpatient clinic, located on site, provides services to guests who are eligible. The maximum length of stay is 5 days.

Overall Responsibilities:
Under the general direction of the Clinical Director, the Social Worker/LMSW conducts rapid assessments, engages guests in wellness, discharge, and aftercare planning, and facilitates linkages to community services and residential settings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The essential duties of the Social Worker include but are not limited to the following activities:
    Provides direct care to guests, including conducting assessments to identify the full range of service needs
    As the primary counselor for a designated caseload - collaborates with the full on-site team to ensure coordination of care
    Counsels guests through individualized and group sessions on issues such as wellness self-management, and community integration skills
    Identifies and makes referrals for community-based treatment and support services.
    Participates in daily team meetings
    Inputs guest information and updates into the facility’s case management software system, ensuring all data is accurate and entered in a timely fashion

Qualifications:
    Master’s Degree in Social Work, NYS LMSW required
    A minimum of four (4) years of experience working with homeless and criminal justice involved individuals with either a diagnosis of mental illness or a substance abuse disorder; including experience in emergency or crisis services
    Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
    The ability to work well in a highly pressured environment set and meets deadlines and delegate as appropriate
    An ability to interface with guests as well as all levels of staff
    Knowledge of case management software as well as a proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
    A minimum Excellent oral, writing and listening skills