The Westfield Memorial Library is seeking a creative, innovative, and team-oriented Community Liaison to join the library in a part-time capacity. The successful applicant will be a currently enrolled Master of Social Work Student with at least (6) completed semester hour credits from an accredited college, or a degreed Social Worker with a demonstrated capacity to provide social services to individuals in a community environment.
The Community Liaison will collaborate with all public service departments, and may be responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing community-centered services and events that are responsive to the existing and emergent needs of the community including customers of all ages who experience mental health, substance abuse, and housing issues.
RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:
- Assesses and makes resource referrals for various services to library customers tailored to their requests and needs assessment information and follows up;
- Connects, builds, and maintains collaborative relationships with community agencies, neighborhood groups, social services agencies, and volunteer organizations;
- Serves as a resource to the general public, responding to inquiries and providing information on the various types of services, programs, and projects available for the community at the library;
- Identifies customers who need assistance with housing, health, and other social service needs and providing referrals;
- Works in collaboration with library departments in provision of services;
- Coordinates training for staff to enhance understanding of mental health, substance abuse, and housing issues; provides consultation and support to the library staff after difficult customer interactions;
- Performs other duties as assigned by Library Director;
- May require some evenings and weekends.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of principles and techniques of conducting interviews and acquiring information from clients who are in need of social services.
- Knowledge of problems associated with the economically disadvantaged, culturally different, ill and/or disabled individuals, juveniles, the elderly, and substance abusers.
- Knowledge of principles and techniques of counseling clients regarding personal, economic, emotional, and social problems.
- Knowledge of functions of available community resources including social security, vocational rehabilitation, mental health, homemaker services, visiting nurses, and so forth.
- Ability to obtain social data on applicants for assistance.
- Ability to establish and maintain relationships within and outside the library in a professional manner.
- Ability to organize own time in an effort to meet assigned situations and work demands.
- Ability to maintain essential records and files and complete standard forms for documentation.
- Ability to apply principles and practices of social work.
SCHEDULE
This is a part-time position with an approximate 20-hour work week. Schedule may be flexible, during hours of operation and depending on the needs of the organization. The library is currently open to the public Monday-Thursday 9:30am to 8:30pm, Friday-Saturday 9:30am to 4:30pm, and Sunday 1:00pm to 5:00pm.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Requires a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) for Community Liaison title. Students currently enrolled in a Master’s of Social Work program who have completed at least (6) semester credit hours may be considered for Community Liaison Trainee title.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
- Starting hourly pay rate is $25.00 for Community Liaison Trainee and $35.00 for Community Liaison
- Benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, and potential eligibility for enrollment in the DCRP (Defined Contribution Retirement Program).
NOTICES:
Equal Opportunity Employer. Employees must comply with the “New Jersey First Act”.
TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to amcginley [at] wmlnj.org. Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.