Social Worker - Temporary Assignment - September 2025 - February 2026 - Town of Canton, MA : Job Details

Social Worker Department of Elder and Human Services Temporary Assignment (through mid-February 2026) Position is responsible for providing outreach, advocacy, crisis intervention and administrative support services to all Canton residents. This includes assessing individual needs and referring clients to appropriate resources; preparing reports and correspondence; providing follow up services; performing outreach activities; and developing information and referral network. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Responsible for developing an information and referral network with various agencies; corresponds with representatives to obtain information and assistance, and/or to refer clients for services including mental health and Veterans services.
• Have the ability to evaluate the safety and overall wellbeing of an individual; file protective service report when necessary as a mandated reporter.
• Develop and conduct support groups.
• Perform outreach activities to identify individuals in need of services; meet with representatives from community agencies, hospitals, nursing homes and other organizations that serve all Canton residents to receive information regarding potential clients.
• Establish rapport and work closely with Canton school intervention specialists, Canton Police Department/Co-Response Clinician; Canton Fire Department; Canton Housing Authority and other agencies and Town departments through the Director of DEHS to better understand and have coordinated response while supporting the needs of Canton residents.
• Meet with the Department of Elder and Human Services Director regularly to discuss cases and provide feedback to improve Outreach services.
• Evaluate client needs with a nonbiased, neutral approach.
• Schedule appointments for home or office visits to assess the client's need for various services; screen and arrange for transportation of clients to medical appointments that are outside of our service area.
• Assist residents to complete applications for supplemental services or other benefits such as fuel assistance through Self-Help, Inc. and SNAP, along with housing assistance such as CHAMP, MRVP, RAFT applications and other local resources.
• Advocate for funding to further assist residents such as grants or through private agencies.
• Provide follow-up services to ensure that the clients' needs are being met. Maintain current, accurate and confidential records on all clients.
• Assist with daily programs and operation of the Department of Elder and Human Services.
• Attend seminars, conferences and meetings related to services pertaining to residents of all ages to stay up to date with current information in the field; monitor legislation concerning residents and keep clients aware of any issues that may be of concern.
• Oversees, under direction of Department of Elder and Human Services Director, volunteers who provide companionship to isolated elders (Friendly Visitor Program).
• Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings as necessary.
• May serve as the Department of Elder and Human Services representative to service organizations; assist Salvation Army Helpline/Salvation Army with administering programs; participate in coalitions in the area that affect all Canton residents.
• Responsible for accurate and detailed documentation of client caseload.
• Perform similar or related work as required.

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field required. Master's level in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling preferred. Three to five years of experience providing social services to the elderly and clients 18 years of age or older. Valid driver's license required. Miscellaneous Information This position is temporary (through February 2026) and non-benefits eligible.