Synagogue-Based Social Worker

Community Initiatives Department

Job Summary

The Synagogue-Based Social Worker provides access to resources, coordination, support, and education to congregants and staff of participating Metro Detroit synagogues. The social worker will serve as a trusted liaison between Jewish Family Service (JFS) and synagogue staff, offering individualized consultations, support groups, professional education, and resource navigation services. This role focuses on helping individuals and families address situational challenges, strengthen well-being, and increase access to essential services within a culturally sensitive, community-centered setting.

Principal Accountabilities

• Congregant Support Services – Provide resource navigation and individualized referrals to congregants experiencing emotional, social, financial, or situational challenges.
• Resource Coordination – Identify, maintain, and disseminate up-to-date information on JFS and community resources. Facilitate connections for congregants to access appropriate services, both internally and externally.
• Community Outreach & Representation – Establish regular office hours and visible presence at participating synagogues. Represent JFS at synagogue events, resource fairs, and community gatherings, some of which occur during weekend or evening hours.
• Program Development & Facilitation – Plan and facilitate synagogue-based programs and support groups addressing congregant needs such as aging, caregiving, grief and loss, and mental health awareness.
• Clergy & Staff Consultation – Serve as a professional resource to synagogue clergy and staff regarding congregant needs and community resources. Offer guidance in navigating difficult situations and responding to crises. Assess clergy and synagogue staff training needs and coordinate or provide targeted education on relevant topics such as trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, and crisis response.
• Professional Development – Participate in any required and optional trainings, such as Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Care, Suicide Prevention, Crisis Response, and others as needed for service delivery and professional growth.
• Documentation & Compliance – Maintain client documentation standards by completing all required documentation for all clients, in a timely manner.
• Ambassadorship - Represent JFS in the broader community at community-based programs.
• Training - Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending agency programs, educational workshops, and training.
• Security and Privacy - Adhere to agency and client protection (confidentiality) policies by regularly acclimating oneself with the JFS privacy, safety and security policies made available.
• Employee Philanthropy - Participate annually in agency and partner related philanthropic activities and campaigns.
• Mission Dedication & Ambassadorship – Promote JFS services and represent the agency’s mission in all community and professional interactions.
• Additional job duties may be assigned by the Supervisor or Director as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Minimum of 2 years’ experience in social work or human services, preferably in a community-based or outreach setting.

Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) or comparable degree required. LLMSW/LMSW licensure in the State of Michigan preferred.

Minimum Competencies

Skills

• Technology – Ability to utilize Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Zoom, Teams, and electronic medical record systems for documentation and communication.
• Communication – Clear, effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to engage empathetically with diverse individuals and professional partners.
• Crisis Response – Capacity to assess and respond appropriately to emotional distress, basic needs concerns, and mental health challenges.
• Program Planning – Ability to develop, coordinate, and evaluate group programs and professional education.

Knowledge

• Jewish Community & Culture – Familiarity with Jewish customs, traditions, and community structure, or willingness to acquire this knowledge.
• Community Resources – Strong knowledge of local, state, and regional social service resources and referral processes.
• Supportive Counseling Practice – Understanding of supportive, strengths-based, person-centered approaches within social work practice.

Behaviors

• Professionalism – Adherence to social work ethics and agency standards in all interactions.
• Team-Oriented – Willingness to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team and with synagogue partners.
• Resourcefulness – Ability to creatively address congregant needs and community challenges.
• Time Management – Skill in balancing multiple priorities and maintaining a flexible, organized schedule.
• Judgment – Sound professional judgment in service delivery, confidentiality, and decision-making.
• Engagement – Commitment to community presence and representing JFS in synagogue and public settings.

Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.