Social Worker

About ALWAYS: ALWAYS’ mission is to remove legal barriers to safety, stability, and opportunity for trafficking survivors of all ages and people under 25 who have been impacted by crime, homelessness, or foster care. The organization is made up of attorneys, legal advocates, and law fellows who are dedicated to providing no-cost, trauma-informed, culturally conscientious services to people who would otherwise not have access to representation or intensive pro se assistance. With the help of ALWAYS, clients and other community members are able to obtain housing, pursue careers, and achieve safe, stable lives for themselves and their families.

About the Position: ALWAYS is seeking a mission-oriented Social Worker to join its Phoenix-based team. The position will primarily provide social services to victims and survivors of trafficking, young people impacted by homelessness, crime, and/or foster care. The Social Worker will also assist with some administrative tasks like distributing physical mail to staff.

Salary Range: $52,000 - $57,000 for a 5 hour work week. (Monday through Friday, 9am until 4pm, with a 30-minute lunch break each day.)

Disclaimer: This position requires the Social Worker to be physically present at the ALWAYS office at least four (4) days a week, unless the Social Worker is taking PTO or sick time. ALWAYS is prepared to offer some flexibility as to working mornings or afternoons from home, but the healthy operation of the organization depends on the Social Worker being at the office for at least four (4) hours (4) days a week.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Case Work
   1. Provide social services to clients who have experienced trauma (includes participating in difficult conversations with clients alongside attorneys and legal advocates);
   2. Connect clients with social services like shelter, longer-term housing, benefits, transportation, water, etc.;
   3. Create and implement case management plans that meet clients' needs;
   4. Help clients better understand the administrative systems they are navigating;
   5. Assist clients with applications including Good Cause Exceptions for Fingerprint Clearance cards, Social Security Cards, Drivers Licenses, etc.;
   6. Assist clients with reporting trafficking or other crimes to the preferred authorities where it is the client's wish to do so;
   7. Educate clients as to their Victims' Rights and help them obtain benefits specific to victims of crime;
   8. Make referrals to other resource providers where appropriate.
2. Case Support
   1. Act as a liaison between clients, attorneys, and legal advocates to schedule meetings or other case-related appointments;
   2. Gather factual information from clients for use in legal and/or administrative cases;
   3. Debrief with clients following their meetings with attorneys and other ALWAYS team members;
   4. Act as a resource for trauma-informed interviewing and other techniques and approaches ALWAYS staff can use to better serve clients.
3. Recording, Reporting, and Collaboration
   1. Keep accurate and timely records and track eligible activities in ALWAYS' case management system and appropriate logs;
   2. Assist with the collection of case information so ALWAYS can report its successes to funders and the larger community;
   3. Participate in Team Meetings, Case Staffings, and 1:1s.
4. Community Engagement
   1. Help represent ALWAYS at community drop-in clinics, fairs, and other events for clients and potential clients;
   2. Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders like behavioral health providers, shelters, food backs, government offices, etc.;
   3. Actively participate in the design and improvement of the social services program through the creation of best practices and streamlined systems;
   4. Participate in organizational fundraising and communications efforts as needed.
5. Administrative
   1. Regularly collect and distribute physical mail to team members;
   2. Track incoming referrals and reach out to potential clients for necessary information to determine whether they are eligible for ALWAYS' services;
   3. Other related duties as assigned, within the position's scope of responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:

• A U.S. bachelor's degree;
• Either a Master of Social Work degree or at least two (2) years of prior experience with social services case management;
• Ability to connect clients with appropriate resources;
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with other service providers;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Ability to travel to off-site locations in Maricopa County (regularly) and Pima County (rarely) -- mileage is reimbursed;
• Ability to keep privileged information confidential;
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and writing skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with survivors of trafficking, victims of crime, people experiencing homelessness, and/or young people who are or have been involved in the foster care system;
• Experience working with immigrant communities;
• Spanish fluency.