Social Worker

Social Worker

Vision Forward, a cutting-edge non-profit organization, currently has a career opportunity for a part-time (24-28 hours) Social Worker to work primarily with the adult population. The ideal candidate provides support and advocacy services for adults with vision impairments as well as parents, family members and caregivers. This person will ensure the agency is taking appropriate steps to meet the psycho-social needs of the individuals & families we serve and has the willingness to grow and develop professionally.

Vision Forward is recognized as the premier agency serving people of all ages with vision loss in Wisconsin. We empower, educate and enhance the lives of individuals impacted by vision loss through all of life’s transitions. Our mission is that all individuals with vision loss have reached their full potential to lead active and independent lives.

Responsibilities to fulfill the Vision Forward mission:

• Promote the dignity of all people living with vision loss.
• Provide exceptional customer service.
• Maintain a positive, cohesive, transparent and family-friendly environment.

Core functions:

• Performs initial social work assessments for adult rehabilitation and low vision service participants.
• Conducts and recruits for support groups for adults impacted by vision loss to foster client connections, build coping skills and share resources. Clearly define a structure for these meetings and establishes and tracks progress towards identified goals.
• Completes necessary documentation & reports for the client’s record, utilizing the electronic medical record system as appropriate.
• Maintains current knowledge of resources available to individuals in Southeastern Wisconsin. Coordinates & provides referrals, individual counseling, and information on services such as support groups & other community resources.
• Actively participates & works in collaboration with the members of the multidisciplinary team that also includes vision occupation therapy, assistive technology, orientation & mobility, vision rehabilitation & optometry.
• Identifies and educates clients & family members about their diagnosis, functional implications, potential interventions, benefits of vision rehabilitation & other resources within & beyond the agency.
• Develops & implements training programs for staff regarding vision loss expertise & the psycho-social needs of individuals with vision loss. Educates the community about the emotional & psychological impact of vision loss.

Pay and benefits:

• $33-$36 per hour, based on experience
• 24-28 hours per/week – Monday-Friday
• Holidays (off, but not paid) – New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial and Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
• Dental and vision
• 401K
• Strong, experienced, supportive team

The perfect candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Requires a master’s degree in social work, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ experience working with individuals with disabilities is strongly preferred.
• Strong self-motivation, innovative spirit and a desire to exceed client, team and organization expectations.
• Good computer skills and competence in Microsoft Office, Word, Outlook and Excel. Ability to use an electronic medical record system.
• Clear understanding of HIPAA, FERPA and privacy regulations.