Case Worker, Crisis Intervention

Met Council is America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. We fight poverty through comprehensive social services and by treating each client with compassion, integrity, and respect. Our programs are staffed by experts who help over 350,000 clients each year and advocate on behalf of all needy New Yorkers. Our services include 100% affordable housing at 21 locations, family violence program, Holocaust survivor assistance, geriatric social work, crisis intervention and the largest free kosher food distribution program in the world. Our network of 120 food pantries, affordable housing sites, and JCCs provide services directly in neighborhoods across New York City.

Position Summary:

The Case Worker, Crisis Intervention will provide direct client services including intake and assessment, information and referral, advocacy, and financial assistance through the agency’s emergency cash grant assistance application. This role will also conduct appropriate screenings and make referrals to internal Met Council programs to ensure clients receive comprehensive, individualized support, including screening through our Crisis Helpline.

Please note: This is a hybrid position (three days on-site, two days remote), with Tuesdays and Thursdays as mandatory in-office days, based primarily out of Met Council’s main office in the Financial District.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Conduct client intakes and assessments for emergency cash grant assistance related to rental arrears, utility turn offs, and other eligible household expenses.
• Help to determine client eligibility by guiding clients through the agency’s application process and obtaining all required documentation to verify assistance needed.
• Assist clients with completing Met Council applications, gathering necessary documentation, and grant financial assistance when appropriate.
• Recognize and adhere to professional roles and boundaries while assessing clients' capacity to carry out mutually decided upon, realistic goals. Participate in weekly individual supervision meetings, as well as weekly and monthly team meetings.
• Represent agency in meetings, as needed.
• Provide support to the Crisis Call Center, as needed.
• Complete assigned phone appointments from the agency’s Call Center, providing crisis information and referral assistance to answer caller questions, assessing callers for Met Council services, as well as connecting callers to external partner agencies and other social service programs for assistance.
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry of required grant and client information into the agency’s electronic database and other required systems, and maintain required paperwork for all clients and their applications.
• Provide information, referrals to resources in the community, and casework support, including assisting clients with applying for benefits, housing, and other services.
• Additional responsibilities as required.

Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal skills to both assess and build relationships with individuals as well as manage and control one's own reactions to complex and challenging conversations on the phone.
• Ability to work effectively in a pressured environment serving individuals under stress while still providing an empathetic response.
• Experience and knowledge in crisis intervention techniques and suicide risk assessment.
• Requires on-going knowledge of local and national resources, including but not limited to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, other HRA benefits, additional state/county programs and resources, and the ability to link callers to appropriate organizations for needs.
• Attention to detail.
• Client, ethics and integrity focused approach to interventions.
• Ability to adapt to changes and flexibility in schedule.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Strong organizational skills and the capability to multitask.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with clients via phone, gather accurate information, and provide appropriate guidance and referrals.

Skill and Education:

• BSW degree (preferred) or Human Services associate’s degree with social service experience.
• 1–3 years of experience providing direct client services in a social services, crisis intervention, or community-based setting (preferred).
• Strong computer proficiency, including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and client databases or electronic case management systems.
• Bi-lingual Russian or Spanish (preferred).

Special Requirements: This position is based at the central office; some field work with our local Jewish Community Councils may be required.

Compensation: $45,000 - $50,000 per year.

Benefits: Major medical, dental, vision and life insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b) with employer contribution; plus generous vacation, sick leave and holidays.