Synagogue Partnership Social Worker

DOROT is headquartered on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and the team works on a hybrid schedule. The Synagogue Partnership Social Worker will be expected to work in the office 3 days per week and as business needs require.

Founded in 1976, DOROT (“generations” in Hebrew) facilitates a dynamic partnership between older adults, volunteers, and professionals through programs designed to combat social isolation and loneliness and bring the generations together. DOROT is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults in the Jewish and wider community to help them live more independently as valued community members. Compassion and a commitment to excellence are hallmarks of DOROT’s programs and staff.

The agency is a recognized innovative leader in mobilizing volunteers and infusing social work into its service delivery model. Our vast offerings of programs are conducted onsite, in the home, remotely, and in the community.

The CCS department provides a range of supportive services that assist older adults in aging in place and connecting to programs and resources that help them thrive and build vital social connections. The department provides support to a broad spectrum of older adults who range in age from 60 to over 100 and vary in physical mobility from highly active in the community to predominantly home-based.

To support our social work model of service delivery, staff in CCS are consulted by colleagues throughout the agency as constituent needs arise. The robust CCS portfolio includes Case Assistance, Information & Referral, Kosher Meals at Home, Friendly Visiting, Home Assessments, and Synagogue Partnerships.

DOROT’s Synagogue Partnership Program currently supports nine synagogues in Manhattan, representing the full range of denominations within the Jewish community. The SPP team enhances synagogues’ relationships with their older congregants by offering unique expertise on the evolving needs of older adults and providing social work support to clergy, staff, lay leaders, older adults, and caregivers.

The Synagogue Partnership Social Worker serves as a vital link between DOROT and the Jewish community, ensuring that synagogues and older adult congregants have access to and benefit from DOROT’s expertise, social work model, and programming. The Social Worker will have the exciting opportunity to help DOROT deepen existing relationships and foster partnerships with new synagogues. The ideal candidate is a resourceful, confident, and creative team member who has strong individual and group clinical skills;

the ability to gain the trust and cooperation of synagogue staff, lay leaders, and members of each congregation; and experience in cultivating relationships through community building activities.

• Be a vital member of a two-person team supporting upwards of 250 older adults annually in one-time and ongoing interactions.
• Conduct outreach calls and home visits to older adults and caregivers and provide support to members of each synagogue based on their unique needs. This includes but is not limited to: completing comprehensive psycho-social assessments and providing case assistance, supportive counseling, and information and referrals to DOROT programs and other community services.
• Serve as a liaison to nine synagogue partners, working in collaboration with the Manager of Synagogue Partnerships Program on promoting awareness of DOROT, creating program opportunities, and strategic growth,
• Carry a caseload of at a minimum of 20 Friendly Visiting matches between older adult synagogue congregants and volunteer friendly visitors.
• W…