PT Library Social Worker (MSW), Hoboken Public Library
We are looking for a creative, innovative, and team-oriented Part-Time (PT) Library Social Worker to join our team. The person will develop, coordinate, and implement community-centered services and events that are responsive to the existing and emergent needs of the community including customers of all ages in need of social service referrals. The PT Library Social Worker will be embedded in the community and develop strong partnerships with social service agencies and local governments to expand the range of resources available within libraries.
Position Title: Library Social Worker; Civil Service title: Social Case Worker
Schedule: Part-time position with flexible hours during library hours of operation and depending on the needs of the organization.
About the Position:
The PT Library Social Worker is responsible for providing assistance to individuals, families, and the community to enhance their individual and collective well-being through outreach, service and connecting patrons to needed resources.
This includes but is not limited to: collaborating with area social service agencies, City of Hoboken social services staff and other city departments, library staff, and members of the community to address the health and wellness needs of at-risk library patrons; working directly with patrons experiencing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, housing instability, and other exclusion issues; assessing their needs and providing linkage to appropriate services and resources in the community; provide training to Library staff, and creating related programming and outreach initiatives.
The position will require flexibility in terms of placement and assignments obliging the candidate to travel independently to multiple locations during the course of a day. Additionally, the position will call for flexibility in terms of availability with occasional weekend and/or evening shifts required.
Public interaction sometimes involves working with people who present mental, emotional, or physical challenges, or those for whom English is not the first language. The position would serve the residents at library locations and throughout the community.
Education/Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess a Master of Social Work (MSW) with at least two years of experience in social work, public health, mental health, behavioral health, health information/education, or related field; the ability to successfully synthesize and communicate information related to public health, public policy, or related social issues and concerns.
Additionally, the candidate should possess strong service orientation, professional boundaries and ethics, calm demeanor; excellent communication skills to provide a high level of positive regard and assistance to a diverse public who may be experiencing challenges; an understanding of the role of a social worker in public libraries and librarians in expanding community access to resources and collections; the ability to perform both independently and as a team member.
Essential Abilities/Skills:
- Knowledge of principles and techniques of conducting interviews and acquiring information from clients who are in need of social services.
- Knowledge of problems associated with the economically disadvantaged, culturally different, ill and/or disabled individuals, juveniles, the elderly, and substance abusers.
- Knowledge of principles and techniques of counseling clients regarding personal, economic, emotional, and social problems.
- Knowledge of functions of available community resources including social security, vocational rehabilitation, mental health, homemaker services, visiting nurses, and so forth.
- Ability to obtain social data on applicants for assistance.
- Ability to establish and maintain relationships within and outside the library in a professional manner.
- Ability to organize own time in an effort to meet assigned situations and work demands.
- Ability to maintain essential records and files and complete standard forms for documentation.
- Ability to apply principles and practices of social work.
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in a language other than English, especially Spanish, is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of Hoboken’s population and geography as well as state social service policies.
- Experience and facility in public speaking and meeting facilitation.
- Desire to work in a fast-paced urban environment.
The above job description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for the employee for this job.
Please note that this position is subject to the NJ First Act, requiring public employees to establish residency in the State of New Jersey. See N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70) for further information.
This is a Civil Service Job and you must eventually pass and qualify for the applicable Civil Service title.
Compensation:
- Hourly rate is $38/hour
- Benefits include paid sick leave, and potential eligibility for enrollment in the DCRP (Defined Contribution Retirement Program).
To Apply: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@hobokenlibrary.org Review of applications will begin immediately and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Posting Closes on: February 7th, 2025
Posted 1/22/2025 – PM