Licensed Social Worker
Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, IN, United States
Overview
At the Allen County Public Library, we believe libraries are more than places—they are vital community hubs. As one of the largest public library systems in the region, we serve patrons with a wide range of needs, including those navigating mental health challenges, housing instability, and access to essential services.
We are seeking a
licensed Social Worker
to serve as our
Social Services Coordinator —a unique and impactful role that integrates social work directly into a public library system. This position works at both the organizational and community level, supporting patrons and staff, and building strong partnerships that extend the library's reach beyond its walls.
Role Summary
The Social Services Coordinator provides leadership in identifying and addressing social service needs across the library system. You\'ll work directly with patrons of all ages, support staff in responding to complex situations, and collaborate with community organizations to connect individuals to critical resources. This is a highly visible role that blends direct service, training, program development, and strategic partnership work.
Key Responsibilities
Assess patron needs and connect individuals to community resources, including mental health, housing, substance use treatment, education, and food access
Provide hands-on support to patrons navigating services and follow-through
Serve as a resource and consultant to library staff during and after patron incidents
Lead and coordinate staff training on topics such as de-escalation, homelessness, mental health, and substance use
Build and maintain partnerships with local service providers and community organizations
Collaborate with staff and security during situations requiring emergency response (police/EMS)
Supervise and support social work interns
Collect and analyze data, prepare reports, and communicate outcomes to leadership
Contribute to the development of system-wide policies and procedures
Qualifications
Required:
Master\'s Degree in Social Work (MSW)
Licensed to practice in the State of Indiana (LSW)
Minimum of two (2) years of post-MSW experience
Valid driver\'s license
Preferred:
Experience working with children, youth, and families
Experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders
Knowledge & Skills
Strong assessment and crisis intervention/de-escalation skills
Knowledge of local and regional social service resources
Ability to work effectively with diverse populations
Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities
Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in complex situations
Why This Role Matters
This is not a traditional social work setting. You\'ll meet people where they are—in a trusted, accessible community space—and help remove barriers to stability and well-being. Your work will directly impact both individual lives and the broader community.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance (starts on day 1)
Library-paid pension plan
Generous PTO (4 weeks vacation + 2 weeks sick leave accrual)
Wellness Bonus
Employee Assistance Program
Possible relocation assistance
Work Environment
This role operates across library locations and community settings. The position requires flexibility, including occasional evening or non-traditional hours, travel between branches, and participation in community meetings and events.
Apply Today
If you are passionate about expanding access to social services and want to be part of an innovative, community-focused organization, we encourage you to apply.
Salary: $60000 - $75000 per year
Job Posted by ApplicantPro
#J-18808-Ljbffr
At the Allen County Public Library, we believe libraries are more than places—they are vital community hubs. As one of the largest public library systems in the region, we serve patrons with a wide range of needs, including those navigating mental health challenges, housing instability, and access to essential services.
We are seeking a
licensed Social Worker
to serve as our
Social Services Coordinator —a unique and impactful role that integrates social work directly into a public library system. This position works at both the organizational and community level, supporting patrons and staff, and building strong partnerships that extend the library's reach beyond its walls.
Role Summary
The Social Services Coordinator provides leadership in identifying and addressing social service needs across the library system. You\'ll work directly with patrons of all ages, support staff in responding to complex situations, and collaborate with community organizations to connect individuals to critical resources. This is a highly visible role that blends direct service, training, program development, and strategic partnership work.
Key Responsibilities
Assess patron needs and connect individuals to community resources, including mental health, housing, substance use treatment, education, and food access
Provide hands-on support to patrons navigating services and follow-through
Serve as a resource and consultant to library staff during and after patron incidents
Lead and coordinate staff training on topics such as de-escalation, homelessness, mental health, and substance use
Build and maintain partnerships with local service providers and community organizations
Collaborate with staff and security during situations requiring emergency response (police/EMS)
Supervise and support social work interns
Collect and analyze data, prepare reports, and communicate outcomes to leadership
Contribute to the development of system-wide policies and procedures
Qualifications
Required:
Master\'s Degree in Social Work (MSW)
Licensed to practice in the State of Indiana (LSW)
Minimum of two (2) years of post-MSW experience
Valid driver\'s license
Preferred:
Experience working with children, youth, and families
Experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders
Knowledge & Skills
Strong assessment and crisis intervention/de-escalation skills
Knowledge of local and regional social service resources
Ability to work effectively with diverse populations
Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities
Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in complex situations
Why This Role Matters
This is not a traditional social work setting. You\'ll meet people where they are—in a trusted, accessible community space—and help remove barriers to stability and well-being. Your work will directly impact both individual lives and the broader community.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance (starts on day 1)
Library-paid pension plan
Generous PTO (4 weeks vacation + 2 weeks sick leave accrual)
Wellness Bonus
Employee Assistance Program
Possible relocation assistance
Work Environment
This role operates across library locations and community settings. The position requires flexibility, including occasional evening or non-traditional hours, travel between branches, and participation in community meetings and events.
Apply Today
If you are passionate about expanding access to social services and want to be part of an innovative, community-focused organization, we encourage you to apply.
Salary: $60000 - $75000 per year
Job Posted by ApplicantPro
#J-18808-Ljbffr