SOCIAL WORKER - COUNCIL ON AGING

SOCIAL WORKER - COA

Salary Range: $70,035 - $90,472 annually
35 hours per week

Definition
Social work, counseling, and administrative work planning, providing and managing social services to Arlington residents age 60+; all other related work, as required.

Supervision
Works under the general direction of the Executive Director of the Council on Aging, in accordance with state statutes and professional standards, following department policies for performing clinical work.

Performs responsible counseling functions requiring considerable judgment and initiative in the handling of individual problems and cases.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Periodically supervises 1-2 undergraduate or graduate social work students and volunteers assisting with social service programs.

Work Environment
Work is performed in the COA office at the Community Center, in other Community Partner locations (ex: Food Pantry, Housing Authority) and on home visits. Exposure to potential risks resulting from physical conditions or volatile clients and family members. May attend occasional weekend or evening meetings or seminars.

The employee operates standard office equipment and an automobile.

The employee has extensive contact with clients, their families and social service providers, through office interviews, home visits, and telephone contact.

The employee has access to confidential or sensitive information about clients and is responsible for handling it in a professional manner, following all procedures to maximize resident privacy.

Errors in judgment could result in hardship to the town's older adults and lower standards of service to the community; errors could also result in personal injury, injury to others and legal repercussions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types 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.

Provides assessment, outreach, information, referrals, and a short-term case management plan for Arlington residents age 60+, in conjunction with the other social worker, geriatric nurse clinician and other COA and Town staff.

Monitors the status of Arlington residents age 60+ through email and telephone contact and home visits; provides services and referrals, as needed; provides short-term and crisis counseling to older adults and their families.

Assists older adults, when necessary, with applications and gathering information related to applying for services such as SNAP, fuel assistance, health insurance, subsidized housing and other various assistance programs. Occasionally advocates for individuals over phone or in meetings with outside organizations.



Supervises volunteers that assist with any social service programs sponsored by the COA; facilitates activities and meetings of specific social work/support groups; develops community education programs to promote client programs and services.

Maintains a relationship and open lines of communication with local and regional service providers for the sharing of resources and coordination of services.

Documents case management contacts for client files; completes necessary record keeping and reporting.

Files timely reports with necessary agencies per the mandated reporter requirements and works with the Arlington police and fire departments as well as protective service agencies on urgent cases.

Attends staff meetings and relevant conferences.

Performs similar or related work as required, directed, or situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience
Master's Degree in social work; three years of case management or social work experience, including some older adult service experience; experience working with volunteers preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements
LCSW or LICSW
Valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license

Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Knowledge of social and emotional issues related to aging. Knowledge of the federal and state services and local resources available to older adults. Knowledge of local human services issues and resources.

Ability to assess the needs of Arlington residents over age 60 and develop effective and constructive working relationships with service providers, clients and their families. Ability to work independently. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to competently use computers and department related software. Ability to navigate local, state, federal or other online systems on behalf of clients.

Skill in providing case management services to older adults. Professional counseling and crisis intervention skills. Skill in program planning, development, and administration. Supervisory skills. Ability to multi-task efficiently and pivot as necessary to focus on emergent needs that arise without notice.

Physical Requirements
Minimal physical effort is generally required to perform duties under typical office conditions; performance of duties requires the employee to speak and hear.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Code : 1299-1

Location : COUNCIL ON AGIN

Grade : MTP 7 NU

Group : NON-UNION

Job Class : SOCIAL WORKER COA

Posting Start : 07/08/2026

Posting End : 07/24/2026

Details : Applicant Tracking