What are the responsibilities and job description for the Shelter Social Worker position at PROJECT HOPE BOSTON INC?

Job Description

Department : Shelter Operations Status : Full-Time Salaried

Reports To : Shelter Director Salary Range : $60,000 - $70,000

Hours : Full-Time, 12 PM – 8 PM

AGENCY BACKGROUND

Project HOPE Boston, Inc. has supported families in the Nubian / North Dorchester area for over 40 years, always focusing on partnering with families seeking housing stability and economic mobility. Since its inception, Project HOPE has implemented several innovative and impactful programs to address housing, workforce, childcare, and educational needs.

Located in Boston’s Dudley Street neighborhood, Project HOPE Boston, Inc. is at the forefront of efforts in the city to move families beyond homelessness and poverty. It was founded in 1981 by the Little Sisters of the Assumption, who settled in the Dudley area in 1947 to live and work with families in the local neighborhood. In the 1980s, when family homelessness was identified as a crisis in Boston and the state, the Sisters opened their doors. They welcomed families to stay with them, and Project HOPE (House Open People Enter) Boston was established. Once best known as a family shelter, today, Project HOPE offers an array of services to assist families in gaining the resources and skills that can lead to more opportunities and access. Partnering with families in neighborhoods that have been historically marginalized, Project HOPE centers its efforts and work on the Social Determinants of Health with a racial equity lens.

In 2006, Project HOPE Boston, Inc. opened an attractive Community Building on Dudley Street – the first LEED Silver certified, earth-friendly building in Roxbury – to serve as its headquarters and a neighborhood center for job training, adult education, housing counseling, community empowerment, and more. Just a few blocks away, the original site remains home to the family shelter.

Position Summary

The Shelter Social Worker is a key part of the Shelter team, providing direct services to shelter residents and supporting their transition to stability and housing. This position focuses on crisis intervention, case management, clinical support, and connecting residents to essential resources. Operating within a trauma-informed and client-centered framework, the Shelter Social Worker will work closely with residents, staff, and community partners to address barriers to housing and improve residents' well-being.

This is a full-time, onsite position with a 12 PM – 8 PM schedule.

Key Responsibilities

Resident Support

Conduct mental health and psychosocial assessments for shelter residents.
Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and short-term clinical support.
Develop and monitor individualized service plans in collaboration with residents.
Maintain detailed case files and documentation in compliance with state regulations (Massachusetts HELOC) and agency policies.
Facilitate psycho-educational and support groups for residents as needed.

Case Management

Assist residents with applications for services, including Massachusetts DMH eligibility, housing resources, and other social services.

Act as a liaison with external agencies, such as hospitals, mental health programs, and housing providers.

Provide referrals for psychiatric care, monitor follow-up, and assist with discharge planning from hospitals or other facilities.

Support Shelter Family Partner with timely monthly reporting of clients' assessments.

Community Collaboration

Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, ensuring residents can access housing, employment, health care, and other critical services.

Advocate on behalf of residents to remove barriers to accessing services.

Documentation & Compliance

Maintain accurate, timely records of resident interactions, case notes, and service plans in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.

Support data collection and reporting as required.

Team Support

Collaborate with shelter staff to ensure a cohesive approach to resident support.

Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, and training sessions.

Qualifications

Education and Licensure

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field required.

Active LCSW, LICSW, or LMHC licensure in Massachusetts required.

Experience

Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience, preferably in a shelter, housing, or behavioral health setting.

Experience with trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing.

Familiarity with the Massachusetts Emergency Assistance Shelter Program and Boston-area social service agencies.

Skills and Competencies

Strong clinical skills with an understanding of mental health, substance use, and dual-diagnosis issues.

Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Ability to work effectively in a diverse and interdisciplinary team.

Multilingual (Spanish, English, Cape Verdian Creole) preferred.

Physical Demands / Conditions

This role requires prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and general office work.

Occasional light lifting (up to 25 lbs.) may be required.

This is an onsite, non-remote position.

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000

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