Employment Opportunity
Social Worker (MSW)
Job Description:
Provide individualized assessment and interaction to referred individuals of all ages, who are blind/legally blind and reside, work or are enrolled in an education program within the eight counties of WNY to increase independence in accordance with the service plan and needs from a vision-based perspective
Essential Functions:

• Provide counseling and community linkages to individuals of all ages as referred to VIA
• Maximize the safety, functionality and independence of clients
• Assess the needs of the client, establish goals and lesson plans for achievement
• Document progress/outcomes and complete all reporting within established VIA and NYSCB contractual guidelines
• Maintain all electronic documentation in accordance with established guidelines for all assigned individuals
• Provide individualized, and/or in some cases group services, in individual's homes, the community and/or center based in accordance to NYSCB contractual guidelines
• Provide short-term vision psychotherapy (SCW2) in accordance with NYSCB contractual guidelines (LMSW required)
• Facilitate adaptive adjustment to blindness through short-term behavioral therapy, vision adjustment counseling, community resource linkages and assisting clients in obtaining and maintaining benefits in accordance to NYSCB contractual guidelines
• Prepare paperwork and lesson plans, and prioritize cases based on assessment's identified goals and needs
• Provision of 1:1, family and group counseling as needed and in accordance with NYSCB contractual guidelines and refer for continued care when appropriate
• Provide continuous and regular visits to meet identified goals and achieve successful outcomes
• Complete all reporting and data entry to both internal and external databases in accordance with established guidelines, including case closure in timely manner
• Communicate regularly and effectively with clients, teachers, parents, VIA and NYSCB staff to ensure successful outcomes
• Develop and implement curriculum for summer youth programs
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of community resources
• Attend conferences, seminars and trainings related to the provision of Social Work
• Complete and submit applications for benefits and social services as needed
• Acquire appropriate CEUs in order to maintain LMSW Licensure
• Works closely with BSW; provides assistance and support as needed
• Attend and be prepared for all NYSCB, departmental and VIA agency meetings
• Lead and/or participate in the development of special programs or projects at the direction of the Vice President or Assistant Director of Rehabilitation Services
• Act as Mandatory Reporter if necessary and complete annual on-line training certification
• Provide instruction to students attending Workforce, Onsite, YES or any VIA program as directed
• Sit on agency or external collaborating agency committees acting as a liaison to inform staff on external organizations/policies as ell as keeping other agencies informed on VIA
• Participate and provide supervision to UB MSW student interns

Competencies:

• Proficient in use of MS Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet along with general applications
• Demonstrate excellent internal and external customer service
• Caring and counseling skills with an ability to balance agency policy with the individual perceptions and sensitivity of clients
• Demonstrate patience, flexibility, and detail orientation in completion of duties
• Effectively work with individuals of diverse backgrounds
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in a fast paced environment
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and development

Qualifications:

• Completion of MSW Degree required
• LMSW required for provision of short-term psychotherapy (SCW2)
• NYS driver's license and reliable transportation OR the ability to travel effectively within assigned geographic area required
• Regularly lift and carry equipment of 15 pounds or more
• Regularly sit for a minimum of 2 hours at a time
• Regularly stand for a minimum of 2 hours at a time
• Regularly perform repetitive motion of the wrists, hands and/or fingers

VIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department via phone at .