SOCIAL WORKER (SYRACUSE HOUSING AUTHORITY)

30290

(Competitive)

DISTINGUISING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

This work involves providing professional social work services for individuals and/or their families to assist them with their economic, emotional, social and environmental difficulties. Work involves extensive contact with clients in their homes, in the office and on the phone and contact with various community agencies to obtain services to make referrals. Under the general administrative supervision of an administrative supervisor, employees are assigned to a unit within the Social and Community Services Department of the Syracuse Housing Authority, such as Elderly Services or Family Services.

This classification is distinguished from Public Health Social Worker in that incumbents do not work in medical or health‑related settings, but in a community services program to low income persons.

An employee in this class is expected to exercise initiative and independent judgement providing counseling services and exploring resources for dealing with clients. Supervision and guidance in social work matters is provided by the Coordinator of Social and Community Services, although referrals come from the administrative supervisor of the unit. Supervision may be exercised over Social Work students on field placement with the Housing Authority. Certain assignments made to employees in this class will require reasonable access to transportation to meet field work requirements made in the ordinary course of business in a timely and efficient manner. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Interviews residents in their homes to assess needs, identify problems and assist them in solving their economic, health, emotional, social and environmental difficulties.

Formulates and carries out plans to meet the needs of the individual or family.

Provides counseling to motivate the individual or family to increase their own capacity and confidence in their ability to handle problems.

Makes referrals to community agencies to secure benefits and services and assists individuals in availing themselves to recommend services.

Represents the client before various community agencies when they are unable to do so for themselves because of physical handicap or may accompany client to these agencies when necessary.

Works cooperatively with Housing Authority departments to secure services for residents and resolve problems with residents.

Maintains liaisons with various community agencies by attending meetings and conferences and serving on committees in order to exchange information, learn of new programs or services and advocate for the concerns of residents of the Housing Authority.

Periodically reviews cases to determine changes in the individual's or family's situations affecting need for service.

Prepares and maintains case notes and records on clients' situations and steps taken to resolve situation.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of social work.

Good knowledge of local community agencies and their services, resources and programs available to low income persons and families.

Good knowledge of the needs and problems associated with low income people, especially in the age group to which assigned (youth, family, elderly).

Good knowledge of the policies and operation of the Housing Authority.

Skill in interviewing and social work techniques.

 

 

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30290

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS, Cont.

 

Ability to establish and maintain effective inter-personal relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to identify and modify social, psychological and environmental factors affecting individuals and families in an adverse manner.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

Promotion:

Two (2) years of permanent competitive class status in the title of Social Work Assistant (Syracuse Housing Authority).

 

Open Competitive:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a master's degree in social work, human services or resources, psychology, counseling or a field closely related to the aforementioned; or,

B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a baccalaureate degree in social work, human services or resources, psychology, sociology or a human services related field including fifteen (15) credit hours in social work, sociology, psychology or counseling and two (2) years of professional level work experience, or its part‑time equivalent, in providing social work services to low income, handicapped or elderly persons; or,

C. Six (6) years of paraprofessional or professional level work experience, or its part‑time equivalent, in social work, casework, community services or a human services field involving direct client contact, two (2) years of which must have been professional level work experience in providing social work services to low income, handicapped or elderly persons; or,

D. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B) and (C).

 

 

6/99 Revised