Residential Social Worker

Department

Mental Health

Reports To

Residential Treatment Model Coordinator

Education Requirement

Master’s Degree

Master's in Social Work or enrolled in an accredited Master of Social Work program. Training/Experience in youth social services required.

FLSA

Non- Exempt

Salary

$65,000 Annually

Schedule

TBD

Organization Overview

The Ali Forney Center (AFC) is dedicated to protecting LGBTQ+ youth from the harms of homelessness and empowering them with the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides comprehensive services, including housing, healthcare, and educational support to over 2,000 youth annually. AFC's mission is to create an affirming and supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.

Position Overview

This position has the direct responsibility of working with interdisciplinary teams to address the emotional, behavioral, and social needs of LGBTQ youth residing in the agency’s shelter. The social worker plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing treatment plans, providing individual and group therapy, coordinating services, and advocating for clients' well-being.

Key Responsibilities

Resident Assessment

• Comprehensive evaluation to assess emotional, behavioral, medical, educational, and social needs
• Continuously evaluate and update treatment plans based on residents' progress and changing needs.
  
  

Individualized Care Planning

• Support Residents in reaching goals identified in their service plan
• Collaborate with treatment teams to develop individualized treatment plans that address residents' unique challenges and strengths.
• Warm hand-off to psychiatric care coordinated by an adolescent psychiatrist or psychiatric prescriber
  
  

Social & Emotional Support

• Individual therapy
• Group Therapy
• Supportive Counseling
• Crisis Counseling
  
  

Therapeutic Intervention

• Provide individual crisis counseling and group therapy sessions to address residents' emotional and behavioral issues.
• Utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques to promote emotional regulation, coping skills, and self-esteem.
• Foster a safe and supportive environment that encourages open communication and personal growth.
• Organize peer support groups
• Harm reduction-focused substance use counseling
  
  

Crisis Management

• Respond effectively to crisis situations, employing de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies as needed.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure a coordinated and timely response to emergencies.
  
  

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic records of assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and other relevant documentation.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards for record-keeping and confidentiality
  
  

Training and Professional Development

• Professional Development:
• Stay current with advancements in social work, residential treatment models, and evidence-based interventions.
• Participate in continuing education and training opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
  
  

Qualifications

Other Duties

Competencies

• Trauma-Informed Care: Demonstrates a deep understanding of trauma’s impact on LGBTQ+ youth. Applies trauma-informed principles in all interactions to ensure client safety and empowerment.
• Cultural Humility & LGBTQ+ Affirming Practice: Provides inclusive, respectful, and identity-affirming services to LGBTQ+ clients. Continuously examines personal biases and incorporates culturally responsive practices.
• Case Management & Service Planning: Effectively conducts comprehensive assessments and develops individualized, goal-oriented service plans. Monitors progress and adjusts plans in response to evolving client needs
• Crisis Intervention & De-escalation: Responds to emotional, behavioral, or situational crises with calm, grounded intervention techniques. Uses sound judgment to assess risk and ensure client and community safety.
• Advocacy & Client Empowerment: Advocates for client rights and equitable access to services. Encourages self-determination and supports clients in navigating complex systems.
• Professional Development & Self-Awareness: Actively engages in supervision, training, and reflective practices to improve service delivery. Demonstrates resilience, emotional regulation, and self-care strategies in high-stress environments.
• Community Resource Navigation: Demonstrates up-to-date knowledge of local service systems including housing, healthcare, mental health, legal, and social supports.
  
  

Qualifications

• Must be able to work independently and with teams.
• Experience working with the adolescent/young adult population required.
• Knowledge of psychosocial needs of LGBTQ/homeless population is helpful.
• Experience in individual and group behavioral counseling.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays.
  
  

Technical Skills

• Computer literacy, including knowledge of basic software applications (Google Suite).
• Familiarity with the internet and email communications.
• Enters data and produces reports using agency systems with accuracy and attention to detail.
  
  

Full-time Benefits & Pto

• Paid sick, vacation, personal, 12 holidays
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 4O1k (matching)
• EAP program
  
  

Multilanguage speaking candidates are encouraged to apply (Spanish, French, etc.). Transgender and gender non-conforming people are encouraged to apply. People with lived experience of homelessness encouraged to apply. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color encouraged to apply.

The Ali Forney Center is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.