After-Care Social Worker

Job Summary:

As an integral part of the RMHC Philadelphia Social Work team, the After-Care Social Worker will focus on expanding Social Work services by developing and implementing an after-care program that addresses the needs of our guest families once they have returned home. The position will assist in a research project exploring best- practices in after-care programming. Using these findings, the After-Care Social Worker will be responsible for the co-design and implementation of a pilot aftercare program.

Along with the pilot research study, this position will concurrently provide aftercare supportive services already being offered to families who have stayed at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. The Aftercare Social Worker will work collaboratively with all departments within RMHC Philadelphia, as well as community partner hospital staff to best support families following their stay.

Essential Duties:

• After-Care Program Research Study and Pilot Program
  • Work collaboratively with the Director of Family Support Services, UPenn, and CHOP researchers to implement a qualitative research study to identify and address family priorities and identify gaps in support
  • Work collaboratively with researchers, RMHC Philadelphia families, and community stakeholders to co-design and launch a pilot After-Care program
  • Develop and implement mechanisms for assessing the efficacy of the new After-Care program.
• After-Care Services
  • Provide ongoing support as needed to families after they leave RMHC Philadelphia
    • Connect families to needed resources and maintain relationships with outside providers to ensure a smooth and supportive transition back home for families
    • Grief/bereavement support
    • Coordinate financial assistance for eligible families who demonstrate need after returning home
    • Keep up with current trends in community resources and family needs to ensure that after-care programming is inclusive and accessible and effective for all families
    • Facilitate virtual support groups
    • Co-facilitate After-Care House Programs, including Thanksgiving meal donations, Holiday Family gift donations, and year-round events and programs made available to families who have returned home
  • As an integral part of the Social Work department, will work collaboratively with House Social Workers to provide a supportive and culturally competent environment to the diverse families, children, staff and volunteers at RMHC Philadelphia
  • Communicate with hospital social workers on an ongoing basis to take referrals and get medical updates
  • Implement After-Care programming documentation accurately and timely

Qualifications:

• MSW/LSW required
• 2 - 5 years of experience, preferably in a medical setting or developmental needs
• Bilingual, English/Spanish a plus

Competencies:

• Demonstrated competence in providing social work services, including parent support groups and grief/bereavement support
• Proven experience working as a research assistant in a nonprofit or conducting independent study research particularly in the social sciences
• Basic understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Experience in creating, enhancing, and evaluating social service programs that address the needs of individuals, families, or communities
• Experience working with a multi-disciplinary team
• Ability to communicate effectively and desire to work with persons of diverse backgrounds
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Problem solving and conflict resolution skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to understand medical terminology
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Outlook, Word & Excel
• Bilingual, Spanish speaking preferred

Physical Abilities:

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Moderate sedentary office work. Frequently required to sit and spend moderate amount of time on the computer.
• Must be willing and able to travel between RMHC Philadelphia locations and other locations using personal vehicle or alternative
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel; talk or hear.
• Must be physically capable of carrying up to 25 lbs.