Social Worker - Roxbury Tenants of Harvard
Boston, MA
About the Job
At Roxbury Tenants of Harvard (RTH), we're not just about providing housing. We're about building a community. Founded in the early 1970s, RTH is deeply committed to advancing health equity, improving outcomes, and promoting the wellbeing of our residents, staff, and volunteers. We achieve this through engaging programs, activities, and safety initiatives. RTH is dedicated to developing, preserving, and maintaining safe and affordable housing for low and moderate-income people of diverse backgrounds in the RTH/Mission Hill neighborhood. RTH achieves its mission through property management, construction and rehabilitation of properties, provision of social and educational services, workforce development, and community activism. As one of the oldest grassroots tenant organizations, RTH is committed to defending the rights to quality, affordable housing for people of all races and cultures, and promoting tenant empowerment through active tenant participation in leadership and development.
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Social Worker to join our Resident Services team. In this role, you will play a pivotal role in empower ing residents to live independently and self-sufficiently while maintaining their dignity and autonomy. This involves informing residents of available resources, assisting them in obtaining chosen services, and advocating on their behalf when necessary. The social worker commits to nonjudgmental, non-intrusive, and confidential support, promoting resident empowerment, autonomy, and dignity. By fostering safe living environments and encouraging community growth, the social worker plays a critical role in enhancing the quality of life for residents in housing communities, ensuring their active participation in social, educational, and economic activities. The social worker is integral to the housing and property team, contributing to the positive maintenance of the property for residents and their neighbors.
GOALS:
Following established professional standards and ethical codes, the Resident Service Coordinator (RSC) works to:
- Increase residents' ability to meet lease obligations, such as timely rent payments, proper unit maintenance, and peaceful enjoyment of the property.
- Support efforts to enhance residents' quality of life, empowerment, independence, and self-sufficiency.
- Build healthy communities through the cooperation of the management team, community agencies, and residents.
- Facilitate program support and intervention to stabilize families in need by coordinating with community resources.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Welcome new residents and explain the RSC program and available community resources, programs, and services.
- Identify needs for assistance; educate on available resources; connect residents with appropriate services as requested.
- Develop linkages with community service organizations and programs.
- Stay current on available community resources, federal, state, and local programs, and fulfill required education and training requirements.
- Advocate for residents and act as a liaison between residents, management, and the community.
- Encourage residents' self-advocacy and empowerment in meeting their needs.
- Work with management to help preserve resident tenancy.
- Follow mandated reporting requirements according to adult and child protective state statutes.
- Maintain appropriate resident files with proper documentation to ensure privacy and confidentiality.
- Follow up appropriately with residents.
- Evaluate the outcomes of the RSC program annually.
- Fulfill timely reporting requirements for state and federal agencies.
- Maintain and update documentation in the American Association of Service Coordinators (AASC) database.
- Remain flexible and complete additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- MSW or LCSW required; LICSW preferred.
- Must be a bilingual Spanish speaker.
- Excellent oral and written communication, organization, and time management skills.
- Experience working in an urban, community setting, preferably in housing.
- Experience working with families of diverse ages, races, and abilities.
- Strong leadership and community-building skills.
- Understanding of resources in the Boston area and experience navigating regional non-profit and government agencies.
- Knowledgeable about services for people with disabilities, housing, drug or alcohol abuse, domestic violence, or mental health issues.
- Some supervisory experience.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Possess organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of relevant state, federal, and local resources and agencies.
RTH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. RTH does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law.
Apply Now to Join Our Team!