Social Worker - Community Guardian Program in New York, New York at Jewish Association for Services for the Aged

As a Social Worker, you’ll provide critical social services, advocacy, and support to vulnerable adults through JASA’s Community Guardian Program. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, you’ll assess client needs, coordinate essential services, monitor client safety and well-being, and develop individualized service plans. Your work will help protect the rights and interests of adults under court-appointed guardianship while promoting their dignity, independence, and ability to remain safely in their communities.

Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

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JASA is one of NYC’s largest and most trusted nonprofit organizations serving older adults. Here, dedicated team members perform meaningful work that directly impacts the well-being, safety, and independence of the people and communities we serve.

Make a difference in the lives of vulnerable adults by advocating for their needs, connecting them with essential resources, and helping protect their safety, rights, and independence.

Work alongside an interdisciplinary team of professionals, community agencies, healthcare providers, legal services, and other partners to coordinate comprehensive client care and support.

Expand your expertise in social work, client advocacy, case management, benefits coordination, risk assessment, and community-based services while supporting individuals with complex needs.

As a Social Worker with JASA’s Community Guardian Program, you’ll oversee assigned cases, assess client needs, coordinate social services, and advocate for individuals under court-appointed guardianship throughout New York City’s five boroughs.

Maintain oversight of assigned clients and monitor their ongoing status, functioning, safety, and well-being.

Evaluate clients’ capacity to manage their own affairs and identify potential risks, including financial exploitation, neglect, and other safety concerns.

Screen clients for program eligibility, conduct triage for emergency interventions, and assess immediate and ongoing service needs.

Develop and implement individualized service plans that address client needs and promote safety, stability, and independence.

Conduct in-home, facility-based, and community visits throughout the five boroughs to assess client functioning, monitor risks, and evaluate the effectiveness of services.

Advocate on behalf of clients to help ensure their needs, rights, and interests are appropriately addressed.

Consult with supervisors regarding complex cases, high-risk situations, and circumstances requiring additional guidance or intervention.

Identify appropriate community resources and coordinate referrals based on individual client needs.

Connect clients with essential services, including housekeeping, home health aides, public assistance, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, legal aid, protective services, and medical and psychiatric evaluations.

Screen clients for eligibility for benefits, entitlements, and other available assistance.

Provide information, referrals, and guidance to clients, families, and other involved parties.

Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies, healthcare providers, and service organizations to facilitate access to appropriate services.

Monitor the disbursement of JASA relief funds and client financial management funds to help ensure clients obtain necessary goods and services.

Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case records, client assessments, service plans, and related documentation.

Utilize HRA and JASA databases to enter client information, update case records, and document services provided.

Prepare and submit required reports, case records, and statistical information within established and mandated timeframes.

Use computers and mobile devices to support case management, documentation, communication, and reporting responsibilities.

Attend court hearings and represent the Community Guardian Program at community conferences, meetings, and related proceedings.

Collaborate with law enforcement, ACT/AOT teams, healthcare providers, and other community partners to address client needs and safety concerns.

Coordinate with appropriate professionals and agencies to support client protection, service delivery, and implementation of court-ordered actions.

Respond to urgent client situations, including lack of heat during cold weather, emergency medical or psychiatric evaluations, and the need for emergency home care services.

Assist with implementing court-ordered protective actions and coordinating emergency interventions.

Work collaboratively with supervisors and external service providers to address crisis situations and protect client well-being.

Be available to work outside the regular schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, when required to respond to emergencies or meet program needs.

Participate in staff training and professional development activities.

Perform other duties as assigned.

A graduate degree from an accredited college or university, with a Master of Social Work (MSW) or an equivalent master’s-level degree in counseling, psychology, gerontology, or a related field.

Strong written communication, documentation, and recordkeeping skills.

Computer literacy and the ability to learn and operate relevant software systems and databases.

Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple cases and competing priorities.

Ability to travel throughout New York City’s five boroughs to visit clients in their homes, facilities, or other places of residence.

Strong interpersonal, communication, and client advocacy skills, including the ability to work effectively with clients, families, colleagues, and community partners.

An understanding and appreciation of how race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and individual values relate to serving clients and families from diverse backgrounds.

The ability to assess client needs, recognize potential risks, exercise sound judgment, and seek supervisory guidance when appropriate.

Flexibility to respond to emergency situations and work outside the normal schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, when required.

JASA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and future.

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage options

Employee Wellness Programs (fitness initiatives and mental health support)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

403(b) retirement plan

Paid vacation time

Holidays and floating holidays

Paid time off for work-life balance

Training and continuing education opportunities

Career growth within the organization

Employee recognition programs celebrating contributions and achievements

JASA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law.