MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either A. a bachelor's degree or higher in social work, Or B. a bachelor's degree or higher in a human service area* and one year of post-bachelor's social work experience.** *Degrees in the following human service areas are considered qualifying: The professional disciplines of art therapy, audiology, dance therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, nursing, nutrition, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, social work, speech/language pathology, and therapeutic recreation. Also included are related academic disciplines associated with the study of human behavior (e.g., gerontology, human services, sociology, speech communication); human skills development (e.g., counseling, education, human development); or any other study of services related to basic human care needs (e.g., community mental health, rehabilitation counseling). Examples of non-qualifying degrees include but are not limited to: Anthropology, archeology, communication, criminal justice, fine arts, philosophy, and political science. ** Qualifying social work experience involves activities such as assessing individual and family needs, strengths, and limitations; assisting in the development of treatment plans; providing counseling to promote mental, emotional, physical, and social functioning; helping individuals and families access supportive services; coordinating and evaluating services, programs, and support systems; and providing support, advocacy, and referral as appropriate. Examples of non-qualifying experience include providing direct hands-on care to patients/consumers by assisting with bathing, dressing, mobility, eating, and other activities of daily living; transporting/accompanying patients/consumers to appointments or activities; planning, organizing, and participating in recreational activities for patients/consumers, such as sports, games, creative arts, and/or clubs; and performing safety and/or security related functions for a facility.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• A bachelor's degree in a human service-related field (i.e., Social work, psychology, etc.) and minimum of two (2) years' experience working with people who have Developmental Disabilities.
• Display strong writing, verbal communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Possess the ability to work independently.
• Have a working knowledge of and be proficient in the use of a computer.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Duties Description PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Social Work Assistant 2 (SWA2) is responsible for completing assessments in-person and via telehealth video, to include observation, interviews, and documentation review. Assessment personnel will gather necessary information to complete assessments according to training, policy, and protocols.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Fulfill training and certification requirements prior to the utilization of the assessment tool and on an ongoing basis.
• Attend assessment trainings as required and complete all OPWDD mandated training in a timely manner.
• Communicate effectively with and interview a wide range of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, as well as with other stakeholders.
• Integrate information from various sources
• Maintain mandated timeframes for the completion of the assessment
• Complete all required documentation accurately utilizing the technology provided.
• Travel to and from assessments within assigned region including overnight stays at hotels as needed. Travel for training outside assigned region may be required as well.
• Utilize flexible scheduling, including some evening and weekend hours as required.
• Manage multiple priorities effectively, including prioritizing work plans and work assignments, maintaining up to date case notes, and meeting deadlines.
• Attain set productivity standards, or an average number of completed assessments

Additional Comments *Please note, the posted Hiring Salaries includes the sum of the statutory hiring rate for ISU Grade 17 ($61,516) along with any special salary treatments in effect for this position in this
location, such as a Down-state adjustment ($3,400) for Hudson Valley DDSO. The posted maximum salary includes the previously mentioned adjustments.

LOCATION: Hudson Valley DDSO
9 Wilbur Road, Thiells NY 10984

*Cross posted at multiple locations. Duty base will be determined at time of offer.

TRAVEL REQUIRED: 60%

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: If you are currently a New York State employee serving in a permanent competitive qualifying title and eligible for a transfer via Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law, you may be appointed to this title as a permanent competitive employee. Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures. If you are being impacted by closure, please indicate this on your resume/cover letter. The assignment of PS&T employees will be made in accordance with any agreed upon Memorandum of Understanding between PEF and the local DDSO regarding the posting of job vacancies All OPWDD employees must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Continued employment will depend on maintaining eligibility. If you are employed by state government, you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentAid.gov/publicservice. Employees on long term leave can bid on positions but must be able to report to work within fourteen (14) days and be able to perform the essential functions of their positions with or without reasonable accommodation (RA). If an employee believes that they need a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the NYS OPWDD Workforce and Talent Management Central Office at (518) 473-4785 or Email at accommodationrequests@opwdd.ny.gov to obtain information and RA forms. NYS offers Incredible Benefits! Savings programs such as the U.S. Savings Bond and the College Savings Plan. Voluntary pre-tax savings programs such as Health Care Spending Account and the Dependent Care Advantage Account offer employees options to pay for uncovered health care expenses or dependent care expenses. Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) an assessment and referral service that connects employees with local service providers and support services to address their personal needs. Life insurance and Disability insurance.

The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan is a voluntary retirement plan that offers employees the option to invest a part of their salaries for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. Paid Holidays and Leave Thirteen (13) paid holidays each year. Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave initially. Five (5) days paid personal leave each year. Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave each year (PEF/CSEA), which may carry over from year to year. Up to three (3) days professional leave each year to participate in professional development events. Health Care Coverage Employees and their eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Employees are provided family dental and vision plans at no extra cost. Retirement Program Participate in The NYS Employees' Retirement System (ERS), which is recognized as one of the best-managed and best-funded public retirement systems in the nation. Professional Development and Education and Training NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance to eligible employees to maintain and increase their professional skills and prepare them for promotional opportunities. For more information, please visit https://goer.ny.gov/training-and-professional-development.
Additionally, the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offers certain professional training opportunities for PEF represented and M/C designated employees that may grant continuing education credits towards maintaining professional licensure. For more information, please visit https://oer.ny.gov/public-service-workshops-program-pswp.
OPWDD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion. We believe that we are most effective in managing and improving our service system with a diverse team of employees. With such a large workforce, we rely on the collective individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, ideas, and talent that our employees bring to their work. This speaks to our culture and is a key part of our successes. As we continuously recruit people for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that applicants bring in terms of their education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran's status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.

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Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Name DDSOO 4 - Hudson Valley Human Resources Department

Telephone

Fax

Email Address hv.internal.apps@opwdd.ny.gov

Address

Street 7 Wilbur Rd

City Thiells

State NY

Zip Code 10984

Notes on Applying Please reference the above EOA #24-094 in all correspondence. Submit cover letter and résumé to: hv.internal.apps@opwdd.ny.gov