LMSW Social Worker

Who We Are

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services— are designed to uplift every individual's unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you'll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we'd love to welcome you aboard.

Who We Need

We are looking for patient, energetic and passionate Social Worker for our Myers Corners Education Center, located in Wappingers Falls, NY. This is an opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team, families, students and groups focusing on a variety of treatment modalities. The Social Worker assists School Staff in meeting Individual Education Plan Goals of student with disabilities.

Schedule: Monday - Friday - 7:30 am-4:00 pm, 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Annual Salary: $61,500.00 – 62,500.00 per year

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the School Principal the Social Worker is responsible for:

• Individual and Group Counseling with students.
• Complete annuals, quarterly reports, follow IEP goals and create goals.
• Collaborate with teachers and interdisciplinary team embers to develop and implement Individualized
• Education Program (IEP) goals.
• Coordinates donations for families during the Holidays.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Provide counseling as listed in a child's IEP, maintain documentation as required by NYSED.
• Assist families in understanding the developmental, and behavioral needs that are present in their children.
• Offer crisis intervention and support to students in need.
• Facilitate communication between school, families, and external agencies.
• Promote social-emotional learning and behavioral development.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records.
• Support and advocate for families in enhancing their coping skills and understanding of the issues that arise from developmental disabilities.
• Linkage and referral to Community Services for students and families.
• Request services from outside agencies when needed (BOCES).
• Attend Classroom Team Meetings when requested.
• Evaluate students in crisis (suicide risk assessment threat assessments).
• Participates in building classes for the school year.
• Assist participant in appropriate service plan development to include educational, medical, vocational, residential and social needs that reflect person/family centered planning. Provide linkage and referral services as needs are identified and requested by participant.
• Function as a member of school team, act as a liaison, and ensure open communication between student service programs and other community agencies.
• Provide advocacy services by intervening on the behalf of the students to ensure or secure needed services, resources, entitlement and human rights.
• Maintain appropriate documentation required by oversight agency and/or service program.
• Meet regularly (as per oversight agencies, service program and participant require) for follow up on concerns to provide support, information and concrete problem-solving services.
• Provide individual, family and group counseling to enhance the coping skills and increase understanding of issues arising from developmental disabilities.
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as required by immediate supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
• Follow all agency policy and procedures and demonstrate continuous regard to personal safety and safety of others.
• Adhere to agency Code of legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the laws.

This is a full-time position eligible for these benefits:

• Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time off
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
• 403(b) plan with employer contribution
• Employer paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Increased earning potential with online training through College of Direct Support
• On Demand Payment – access your earnings as early as the next day
• Discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, etc.
• And More

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job.

Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, in order to perform the essential functions of this job, an individual shall be required to:

• Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, squat, bend the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques).
• Lift individuals by using appropriate techniques, including but not limited to usage of tools to assist, such as the Hoyer Lift.
• Assist individuals in ambulation by providing physical assistance, including use of a gait belt or other equipment where necessary.
• Have the ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Have the ability to push, pull, and maneuver individuals in wheelchairs.
• Possess verbal and written communication skills, in English, to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.

Requirements:

LMSW or LCSW-R with five years' experience working with children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. This position requires knowledge of community and state level organizations. Required Counseling experience with developmentally disabled adolescents and family training experience. School district systems experience is helpful.