What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Worker position at IN-SIGHT?
While IN-SIGHT provides services to people of all ages, more than half of the agency’s new clients are over seventy. These people typically have had normal vision for most of their lives and have recently developed an age-related eye condition that has diminished their usable vision. These changes disrupt almost every aspect of their daily lives, including their inability to drive and learn new ways to accomplish basic tasks. They may or may not be able to count on family and friends to provide appropriate support.
Due to their age and preconceived notions about what it means to live with a visual impairment, many newly referred clients are wary about connecting with services due to fear, anger, anxiety, or denial regarding their vision loss.
We are seeking someone with the experience and personality needed to motivate people to access programs and services to help them build self-confidence and regain independence. The ideal candidate will provide initial intakes and assessments, individual counseling, and support sessions when appropriate. The successful candidate will facilitate support groups and develop small group workshops and other interventions to build knowledge, skills, and peer support.
The successful candidate will report to the Director of Client Services and work cooperatively with a second full-time Social Worker and the part-time Client Outreach Coordinator. Together as a team, they will help identify individual client needs, provide emotional support, help clients determine their independent living goals, and develop a plan to help them meet those needs.
When appropriate, the Social Worker will also provide support and information to family members and friends who may be struggling to support their loved one best.
