Position Overview

Under the direction of the Director of Library Services or delegate, responsible for planning, overseeing, and executing the “Social Worker in the Library” program, which places social workers, Peer Navigators, and graduate and bachelor degree candidate students from schools of social work at Boston Public Library locations. This exempt management position will also be responsible for the creation and development of policy and direct support and advisory responsibility to the Leadership team on issues related to the program or to trauma-informed approaches. This position will also deliver direct client services to library customers, build partnerships with social service organizations, and oversee system-wide social service initiatives, as well as work with staff on relevant training and consultations. The position is responsible for tracking and reporting on all library social service efforts.

Reports to

Director of  Library Services.

Supervises

Social workers, Peer Navigators, and student interns.

Scope of Responsibility

• Develops and manages the Library Social Work program, including recommendations for staffing and services and management of social workers and other staff working under the program.
• Coordinates, develops, and oversees the Library’s Peer Navigator program in conjunction with external Library partners. Supervises and directs Peer Navigators across the system.
• Coordinates and oversees partnerships with local colleges and universities with the graduate schools of Social Work to have student interns placed across the library system.
• Provides weekly field instruction and supervision for Peer Navigators and student interns.
• Works closely with the Leadership Team to provide advice and guidance around internal and external social work issues, including trauma-informed approaches with staff and decisions around patron incidents.
• Works with partner organization Outreach Navigators and the library’s Health & Human Service Specialist to provide for the development and implementation of program services and partnerships to meet the health and human services related educational and informational needs of library customers.
• Works with the Health & Human Services Specialist and the Training Coordinator to develop and initiate staff development related to supporting customers with health and human service needs.
• The Social Worker will play a key role in training and supporting library staff to effectively serve library customers with health and human services information needs. This will include:
  • Developing and leading staff training sessions.
  • Providing on-location support at different library locations
  • Modeling best practices for front-line service.
• Responsible for oral presentations and written reports on assigned activities within the department.
• Participates in the development of interactive relationships with relevant organizations and institutions to better serve communities and to stimulate the use of the library’s resources.
• In collaboration with the Leadership Team, responsible for the creation and development of library policies involving social services.
• Assists with analysis of aspects of related services, operations, and collections and recommends improvements to enhance public service.
• Keeps current in the best practices of the profession of social work by taking advantage of training and development activities, reading professional literature, and participating in professional activities.
• Actively participates in system-wide committees, training, and other professional activities.
• Performs other related and comparable duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education – A bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university and a master's degree in Social Work from a Council on Social Work Education accredited program are required. Relevant subject knowledge and/or specialized training required. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.
• Experience – Five (5) years of demonstrated experience performing similar job duties, including managing programs or projects and partnering with city and community agencies required. Experience in clinical social work, providing weekly field instruction and supervision required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Ability to execute library policy.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
• Demonstrates initiative and independent decision-making skills.
• Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly.
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively.
• Identifies, plans, and prioritizes job responsibilities and tasks; determines and implements project timelines.
• Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to adapt to change.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work well with staff and the public.
• Familiarity with health and human services focused community-based organizations and agencies, preference for experience with and knowledge of relevant organizations within Boston.
• Proficiency in a second language other than English is desirable.
• Requirements – Some evening and weekend hours. Ability to travel to off-site locations.
• CORI – Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade:  Non-union/PM-5

Hours per week:   35