Synagogue Partnership Outreach Social Worker

LOCATION

DOROT is headquartered on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and the team works on a hybrid schedule. The Synagogue Partnership Outreach Social Worker will be expected to work in the office 3 days per week and as business needs require. All staff members are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

ABOUT DOROT

Founded in 1976, DOROT (“generations” in Hebrew) facilitates a dynamic partnership between older adults, volunteers, and professionals through programs designed to combat social isolation and loneliness and bring the generations together. DOROT is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults in the Jewish and wider community to help them live more independently as valued community members. Compassion and a commitment to excellence are hallmarks of DOROT’s programs and staff. The agency is a recognized innovative leader in mobilizing volunteers and infusing social work into its service delivery model. Our vast offerings of programs are conducted onsite, in the home, remotely, and in the community.

ABOUT THE CONSTITUENT & COMMUNITY SERVICES (CCS) DEPARTMENT

The CCS department provides a range of supportive services that assist older adults in aging in place and connecting to programs and resources that help them thrive and build vital social connections. The department provides support to a broad spectrum of older adults who range in age from 60 to over 100 and vary in physical mobility from highly active in the community to predominantly home-based. To support our social work model of service delivery, staff in CCS are consulted by colleagues throughout the agency as constituent needs arise. The robust CCS portfolio includes Case Assistance, Information & Referral, Kosher Meals at Home, Friendly Visiting, Home Assessments, and Synagogue Partnerships.

THE OPPORTUNITY

DOROT’s Synagogue Partnership Program currently supports nine synagogues in Manhattan, representing the full range of denominations within the Jewish community. The SPP team enhances synagogues’ relationships with their older congregants by offering unique expertise on the evolving needs of older adults and providing social work support to clergy, staff, lay leaders, older adults, and caregivers.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Synagogue Partnership Outreach Social Worker serves as a vital link between the Jewish community and DOROT, ensuring that synagogues and older adult congregants have access to and benefit from DOROT’s expertise, social work model, and programming. They will have the exciting opportunity to help DOROT deepen existing relationships and foster partnerships with new synagogues. The ideal candidate is a resourceful, responsive, and creative team member who has strong individual and group clinical skills; the ability to gain the trust and cooperation of synagogue staff, lay leaders, and members of each congregation; and confidence to take the initiative in community building efforts.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a liaison to 4-7 synagogue partners, working in collaboration with the Manager of Synagogue Partnership Program on program opportunities, strategic growth, and individual case interventions.
  • Work with rabbis, synagogue staff, and lay leaders on issues related to older adults and caregivers.
  • Conduct outreach and home visits to older adults and caregivers and provide support to members of each synagogue based on their unique ends. This includes but is not limited to: completing comprehensive psycho-social assessments and providing case assistance, supportive counseling, and information and referrals to DOROT programs and other community services.
  • Lead or co-lead support groups on issues of social isolation, bereavement, caregiving, and other relevant topics.
  • Support lay leaders in Bikkur Cholim committees at the synagogues the Outreach Social Worker serves.
  • Advise synagogue staff regarding inclusion of older adult congregants in synagogue life.
• Assist with other synagogue efforts related to older adults and caregivers, including technical assistance to synagogues interested in implementing DOROT’s intergenerational or other programs
• Support the Manager of Synagogue Partnership Program in deepening existing relationships and expanding DOROT’s partnership model:
  • Promote DOROT awareness within existing synagogue partner congregations;
  • Present to synagogue communities on issues of aging and social isolation and speak at synagogue events; and
  • Assist with writing, developing and distributing materials to promote the SPP.
• Carry a caseload of Friendly Visiting matches between older adult synagogue congregants and volunteer friendly visitors.
• Stay up to date on relevant issues that relate to aging in the community.
• Represent DOROT at community outreach events, networking opportunities, and conferences.
• Collaborate with peers and other departments to enhance the agency’s overall goals and impact:
  • With Community Outreach and Marketing and Communication for ongoing promotion and recruitment of older adults and volunteers.
  • With Volunteer Services and Intergenerational Engagement departments to identify older adults for certain program opportunities.
  • With Advancement, to identify appropriate candidates for media/promotional opportunities and assist constituents within the caseload.
• Collect, track and maintain case assessment and related client interactions using DOROTs’ online database (Salesforce); this includes routine data entry and timely case note documentation.
• Information & Referral helpline coverage, as needed.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• LMSW or Licensed Mental Health Clinician required
• A minimum of 2 years of professional relevant work experience
• Knowledge of synagogue structure and professional and lay leadership, strongly preferred
• Deep knowledge of and experience with issues and resources that relate to and help meet the needs of older adults and caregivers, particularly in New York City
• A self-starter who takes initiative and has a successful track record in working both independently and as part of a team
• Passion and sensitivity for DOROT’s Mission and needs within Manhattan Jewish communities
• Strong interpersonal, clinical, group facilitation, and presentation skills
• Strong written, verbal, and organizational skills
• Experience working with volunteers a plus
• Availability to work approximately 8 Sundays and/or work nights per year for programs or events; this includes up to four events that may not be within your regular scope of work
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Salesforce or a similar constituent management system/database and experience with Canva a plus
• This position requires use of public transportation for occasional visits to older adults’ homes. Travel expenses are covered by DOROT

WHY WORK WITH US

At DOROT, we believe that the power of connection can be transformative. Working with us means that you will have:

• The ability to make an impact. DOROT is a mission-driven organization filled with passionate people focused on having a positive impact on the lives of our clients.
• Generous time off. DOROT offers 20 days of vacation per year, 10 paid Federal holidays and up to as many as 13 paid Jewish holidays, as well as early office closures on Fridays. We also provide fully paid Parental Leave and other generous Leave policies.
• Healthcare benefits. Medical, vision, dental, short-term disability, life insurance, and more. We offer a choice of benefits to ensure that you and your family are taken care of.
• Support to plan for your future. We offer a discretionary 403(b) contribution after your first 2 ¼ years with us with the opportunity for increasing contributions as you stay with us over time.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume with your application.

It is the policy of DOROT, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified individuals for employment or advancement without discrimination because of race, color, religion creed, political association, ancestry, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, age, veteran status, pregnancy, handicap disability, genetic, genetic characteristics, or other protected status.