SOCIAL WORKER AGING DEFINITION:
Under direction, performs office and field work necessary for providing information, referral, and social services for older people; does related work as required.
NOTE: The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Based on request from individual or on referrals of families, friends, institutions, or other community sources, visits older people in their homes, boarding homes, or wherever located.
Interviews clients, family members, and/or referral source to obtain information about the immediate problem and the client's resources and ability to deal with the problem.
Explains and describes facilities and services that are available to older people such as boarding homes, nursing homes, home health care, meals on wheels, transportation, and other programs designed for the unique needs of the elderly.
Assists the client in obtaining needed services whether it be in obtaining home health aides, preinstitutional evaluation, or boarding home or nursing home placement.
Explains procedures that have to be followed and takes appropriate action to secure such services when there is no family or friends to attend to these matters.
Investigates and tries to resolve complaints made by or for older persons, and refers to proper authority if justifiable complaint is not resolved.
Makes referrals to other agencies or notifies other agency of the client's needs.
Contacts and maintains cooperative relationships with private and other public agencies concerned with the well being and quality of life of the client.
Prepares reports and maintains essential records and files.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Five (5) years of professional experience in an agency operating programs relating to elderly people in the fields of social work, public health, social welfare, sociology, gerontology, psychology, counseling, community organization work, or a related field.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university in social work, public health, social welfare, sociology, gerontology, psychology, counseling, community organization work, or a related field.
NOTE:"Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the physical, social, psychological, and economic problems of the elderly.
Knowledge of the laws affecting the elderly.
Knowledge of community resources that are available for the elderly.
Ability to communicate effectively with elderly people, to obtain their respect and confidence, and establish and maintain constructive relationships with them.
Ability to encourage and motivate older people.
Ability to establish and maintain relationships within and outside the agency in a professional manner.
Ability to organize time and efforts to meet assigned situations and work demands.
Ability to apply modern principles and practices of social work.
Ability to maintain essential records and files.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
