Public Library Generalist Social Worker (Temporary, Part-Time)

Position Summary

The East Providence Public Library is seeking a temporary Generalist Social Worker to join our Social Work Library Team. This role is designed to address the diverse needs of library patrons and enhance their access to resources, support, and information. The Social Worker will serve as a front-line support for patrons, particularly those from immigrant, multilingual, and multicultural communities, as well as individuals experiencing housing instability or substance use challenges.

This position works to advance equitable access to support and services by assisting community members who may face barriers to accessing traditional systems of care. The role focuses on connecting individuals to resources and ensuring that community members who may be underserved, overlooked, or navigating complex systems are able to access support and information.

This position is not a counseling or therapeutic role but adheres to the NASW Code of Ethics and provides trauma-informed, culturally competent support to patrons.

Location: East Providence Public Library, East Providence, RI

Schedule: Part-time, approximately 3–5 hours per week. Position includes one regularly scheduled daytime drop-in session each week, with occasional evening or Saturday coverage as needed.

Employment Type: 1099 / Independent Contractor, no benefits

Compensation: $35–$38 per hour, depending on qualifications and language proficiency.

Funder: Executive Office of Health and Human Services

Reports To: Adult Language Learning (ALL) Coordinator

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Key Responsibilities

Direct Patron Support

● Provide one-on-one support and referrals for patrons needing assistance with mental health, substance use, housing instability, food security, education, health, immigration, and other social service needs.

● Assist patrons with applications for public benefits and other local resources (e.g., SNAP, HealthSourceRI, Social Security).

● Support patrons in navigating community services and follow up as appropriate.

● Provide crisis intervention when appropriate and support library staff in responding to challenging situations, including guidance on de-escalation strategies.

Resource Navigation & Community Engagement

● Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies, neighborhood groups, social service providers, and volunteer organizations serving immigrant, multicultural, unhoused, and substance-affected populations.

● Advise library staff on effective responses to patron needs and provide cultural, trauma-informed, and harm reduction guidance, either through individual consultation or group training.

● Participate in library programs as appropriate to assess patron needs, develop relationships, and provide targeted support.

Documentation & Reporting

● Maintain records for service delivery in a confidential and professional manner.

● Track data and outcomes to support program evaluation and reporting requirements.

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Minimum Requirements

● Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Rhode Island, or eligibility for licensure.

● Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program.

● Previous experience working in community-based settings or social service environments.

● Demonstrated cultural competency and experience working with multilingual, multicultural, immigrant, unhoused, and substance-affected populations.

● Ability to work effectively with interpretation and translation services.

● Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

● Knowledge of community resources, social services, and public benefit systems.

● Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, public-facing environment.

● Demonstrated understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities, including adherence to NASW Code of Ethics, confidentiality requirements, and relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing social work practice.

● Successful completion of a criminal background check inquiry (BCI) with the RI Attorney General’s office.

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Ideal Qualifications

● Three or more years of professional experience working with diverse populations.

● Bilingual or multilingual skills are strongly encouraged.

Pay: $35.00 - $38.00 per hour

Work Location: In person