Library Social Worker

The Ypsilanti District Library is launching an exciting 3-year grant-funded project to develop a library social work program. YDL seeks an energetic, community-minded LMSW interested in building an innovative new service. The Library Social Worker will engage with the community at YDL’s three locations to help provide information, support, referrals, and follow-through to people experiencing challenging life circumstances. The Library Social Worker will help patrons seeking community resources such as mental health services, substance use services, housing services, food, educational, and other social services.

This position will work closely with the YDL staff team using a community-based approach integrated with the Library’s mission, building relationships with a diverse library clientele to complement existing social services and address unmet community needs. The Library Social Worker will also serve as a resource for library staff, modeling effective techniques for working with patrons experiencing trauma/secondary trauma, mental health issues, substance use, unstable housing and other psychosocial needs.

Nature of Work/Responsibilities: Under the general supervision of the Director, and with the support of YDL’s partners from EMU School of Social Work, the Library Social Worker assists with the design, implementation, and assessment of the library social work program. Duties include:

• Identifies and engages with individuals who may benefit from social service support through outreach, consultation, or referral by library staff.
• Provides current and relevant information, support, referrals, and assistance to library patrons experiencing mental health issues, substance use, unstable housing, or exclusion issues.
• Provides short-term crisis intervention to help determine needs and options for patrons in crisis.
• Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions to broaden the library's social service reach.
• Organizes workshops, seminars, and outreach campaigns to educate the public on critical social issues such as mental health, homelessness, and poverty.
• Brings in and creates programming that enhances the social functioning of community members, such as support groups and topical programs.
• Provides consultation and support to Library staff through debriefing during and/or after an incident with patrons has occurred.
• Serves as a resource and model for library staff to work effectively with challenging patron behaviors.
• Assists with efforts to evaluate the impact of the social work program, track outcomes, and produce reports for the Library Board and other stakeholders.
• Works collaboratively using a restorative approach with YDL security staff when police and/or EMS intervention is needed.
• Stays abreast of professional trends, local news, and community events to ensure exemplary and responsive services.
• Provides supervision to social work student interns.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)
• Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) - State of Michigan
• Prior experience in macro social work, community organizing, or policy advocacy
• Experience in a library setting desired
• Knowledge of Washtenaw County’s community resources and social service agencies preferred
• Passion for public library mission and working to improve the lives of people across the community
• Enthusiastic commitment to public service
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Adheres to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics
• Contributes to a positive, team-oriented work environment
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Deep understanding of racial equity and social justice principles
• Demonstrated leadership ability; previous experience providing supervision to social work students desired
• Ability to use metrics and statistics to assess services and measure their impact
• Strong organization and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently without close oversight as well as a team player who productively engages with others
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to think creatively and adapt to change
• Demonstrated ability to organize work and set priorities
• Grant-writing experience desirable
• Reliability and flexibility to work evening and weekend hours as needed
• Must possess a valid driver’s license

Salary/ Benefits:

$60,000 annual salary. YDL offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off, 12 paid holidays, family health/vision/dental insurance, and contribution to a MERS retirement plan.

Timeline: Position to start by April 1, 2025; initial grant period runs through December 31, 2027.

To apply, send resume, cover letter, and completed application form (available online at www.ypsilibrary.org/jobs) by Tuesday, February 11, to:

Human Resources or lisa@ypsilibrary.org

Ypsilanti District Library

5577 Whittaker Road

Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Ypsilanti, MI 48197 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Ypsilanti, MI 48197: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000