Library Social Worker Job at City of Pittsfield in Pittsfield

Overview

The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield’s Public Library, is seeking a compassionate and experienced social worker to join our library team to provide support and assistance to our community. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in social work and a passion for helping patrons navigate the challenges they face in daily life. This role involves working with library staff and community organizations to provide resources, support, and advocacy for patrons in need.

The incumbent will lead collaboration between library staff, mental health professionals, benefit providers, community health workers, law enforcement, and the community to promote effective strategies to support library staff and patrons. The position will offer crisis intervention and information referral services and will enhance the accessibility of social services and mental health resources within the community. The role reports to the Library Director.

Responsibilities

• Staff assistance, consultations, and training sessions; partner with staff for compassionate enforcement of policies with patrons; facilitate conversations among staff, patrons, and community partners; lead incident response debriefing sessions; provide and/or coordinate in-service and ad-hoc educational presentations; attend supervisor meetings as needed.
• Direct patron work: help patrons make a plan for success at the library; provide interim case management on topics such as shelter, food, employment, and health services access; assess situations and provide solution-focused interventions, including crisis case management and short-term crisis counseling and follow-up care when appropriate.
• Building community partnerships: initiate consultation with other mental health providers to improve service delivery; represent the library in the Pittsfield HUB and other community committees; collaborate with community health and social services agencies and organizations.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
• Current and valid licensure in Social Work by the Massachusetts Board of Registration; licensure options: LSW, LCSW, or LICSW.
• Experience in community health social work on micro and macro levels; trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and risk management.
• Knowledge of the Library’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities; best practices for offering related services at public libraries.
• Strong knowledge of social, cultural, economic, political, religious, medical, psychological, and legal issues influencing client behavior and service programs.
• Sound judgment, problem-solving skills, flexibility in stressful situations, and ability to adapt to change.
• Ability to develop and sustain partnerships with diverse stakeholders; strong organizational and project management skills; ability to set priorities, manage details, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; proficient computer skills (Microsoft and Google office suites).

Hours

• 35 hours per week: typically weekdays (9am–5pm), with 1 evening per week (11am–7pm) and 1 Saturday per month (9am–5pm).
• Schedule may be adjusted by mutual agreement to meet staff, patron, and library needs.

Salary

• City Management Grade M6; salary range: $75,973.23–$98,765.22 per year (as of July 2025).

Company Description

Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, the City of Pittsfield is a vibrant and welcoming community that blends rich history with a forward-thinking outlook. Our city government is committed to fostering a high quality of life for all residents by delivering essential services, promoting sustainable growth, and championing a diverse and inclusive community. We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to promoting a multicultural workforce and excellence in public service. Minorities, people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and life insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Up to 14 paid holidays
• Personal days, vacation time, earned sick leave
• Employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs for employee and family
• Incentives for bilingual individuals

Priority consideration deadline: 09/30/2025. For priority consideration, complete your application by September 30, 2025.