Social Worker - BSW

The role of Social Worker at Welcome Home of Chattanooga is a full-time averaging 40 hours per week position and reports to the Executive Director (ED) and Assistant Director (AD).

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work is required.
• Candidates must hold a current Tennessee State License in Social Work or be in position to obtain licensure.
• Lived experience is preferred.
• Some experience in caring for those who are facing a serious illness is required.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Detail oriented and organized.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Access to regular and reliable transportation.

***** ONLY CANDIDATES WHO READ THIS SECTION AND REPLY ACCORDINGLY WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION. *****

Welcome Home has the honor of caring for people at the end of their life, and as such, it is vital that the Social Worker embodies and reflects Welcome Home of Chattanooga’s core values both personally and professionally.

Our Core Values

• Compassion and Respect – We honor the shared humanity in all people, recognizing that each person seeks happiness and freedom from suffering. Rooted in this understanding, we approach each individual with dignity, kindness, and empathy with authentic interactions and honest intentions. By being present to suffering—both in ourselves and others—we respond with care and strive to ease pain and foster peace, reconciliation, and wholeness while remaining true to ourselves and each other.
• Gratitude - We believe in a world of abundance and that in practicing gratitude we can see that our most basic needs can be met without denying anyone else’s needs. We know that community and resource-sharing only makes us stronger.
• Spirituality - We acknowledge that all humans have a spiritual nature that is sacred and unique. We operate in a way that provides comfort and security to our residents,staff, volunteers and visitors through a trauma- informed approach—meeting each individual where they are without judgment.
• Welcome – We believe that true success is built through collaboration—we are for the community and by the community. This means fostering partnerships with neighbors, friends, agencies, and faith groups. We also believe that everyone has a place at the table whether or not they are sheltered, are in need, are grieving, and regardless of their background. All are welcomed here with open arms and respect without regard to race, color, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

In order to be considered for this position, please send an e-mail to sherry@welcomehomeofchattanooga.org with the subject line “Core Values” and briefly share which of our core values resonate most with you and why, plus if you have your BSW and where you obtained the degree from.

This position requires one who is able to manage sensitive issues with ease and confidentiality. The person must be able to effectively plan, organize and prioritize work and help promote a healthy workplace working with a team and community partners. Critical thinking and communication is important. Must effectively solve unique problems as they arise or identify when to consult a supervisor.

The ideal candidate will be flexible and able to deal with a dynamic and challenging work environment. Must be able to respond to time demands and occasional conflicting priorities, maintain a positive and professional image and demonstrate self-directed learning to meet professional development and license requirements.

Position Summary:

• Provide supportive services for Welcome Home residents and their families, collaborating with Cancer Respite Support and Graduate Support.
• Assist with admissions: taking referrals, pre-screening and face-to-face visits, working with the ED and AD on triage, and completing admission paperwork with the resident and referral source.
• Complete initial assessment and goals with the resident; as well as ongoing assessments on a regular basis - to be determined by Social Worker and resident. This includes assessing communication patterns, coping mechanisms, cultural, spiritual and psychological factors which may affect care and adjustment. Maintain strong written documentation.
• Assist ED with data regarding residents. Management of Charity Navigator.
• Build relationships and collaboration with residents, area hospices, agencies and families on plan of care. Be a strong advocate for our residents.
• If needed, complete SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery) training within six months of hire date.
• Case management to assist with obtaining benefits and long-term care planning for current residents and former residents as needed. This would include helping with housing applications and making home visits to former residents as needed for permanent supportive housing (PSH).
• Assist with discussion and implementation of healthcare wishes and final wishes.
• Pay special attention to the wishes of our residents - learn about what is important to them and collaborate with others to help them obtain what they would like. This includes special wishes or trips, reaching out to family members and other things of importance.
• Serve as a source of support for those who are grieving.
• Be a source of support for Social Work interns and assist with supervision.
• Communicate with the Executive Director about ideas you might have to improve Welcome Home or input about Welcome Home, residents or volunteers.
• Be an ambassador for Welcome Home, sharing with others about our mission and values to the community at large. Participate in and/or lead outreach opportunities as needed.
• Participate in Welcome Home team meetings and educational opportunities.
• Participate in trauma informed care and best practice as well as review and feedback for our practice.
• Outreach with the Homeless Health Care Clinic and the Chattanooga Cancer Support Services. Attendance at CEAP, NNH Landlord Luncheon, SETN Veterans Coalition, CHOICES and Homeless Coalition regular meetings.
• While not a priority over other tasks, other duties may be assigned not described in this position description.

Benefits

• This position begins at $58,500
• We offer paid time off based on weekly hours worked.
• A trauma informed practice and supportive family-type work environment.
• Assistance in paying for training and education in regards to this position.
• Flexibility.
• Short term disability benefits through AFLAC.
• Room for growth within the organization.

Pay: From $58,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Application Question(s):

• Which of Welcome Home's core values resonates most with you, and why?

Work Location: In person