Community Based Social Work Assistant

Synergy Hospice Care, through one of its affiliates, is assisting the sponsor of a senior housing community in the Little Tokyo neighborhood of Los Angeles that serves primarily low-income older adults with culturally specific needs.

In connection with this initiative, we are seeking a Japanese-speaking social worker to assist with two critical resident-facing tasks that promote housing stability and advance planning. This is a task-focused, part-time role, ideal for someone with strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills who enjoys working directly with older adults.

Key Responsibilities

Emergency Contact Identification: meet individually with residents to help update or identify an emergency contact on file. Explain the importance of having a trusted person designated to be notified in case of emergency. Ensure documentation is complete and accurately filed.

Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) Support: educate residents on the purpose and value of completing a DPOA
Facilitate the completion of DPOA forms (for personal care and/or housing decisions). Coordinate referrals for notarization or witnesses, as applicable.

Cultural and Linguistic Engagement: conduct conversations in Japanese, as needed, with appropriate cultural sensitivity. Build rapport and foster trust, particularly among residents who may be hesitant to engage with formal processes.

Documentation and Confidentiality: maintain accurate records of outreach and document completion. Uphold all privacy and confidentiality protocols.

Additional Information
- This is a paid hourly position and is not structured as a formal field placement or practicum.
- Onboarding and training will be provided. Meetings with residents will occur on-site at the senior housing community.
- Opportunities for extended engagement may become available based on performance and project needs.

This role is ideal for a BSW graduate or MSW student with strong interpersonal skills, cultural humility, and a passion for supporting older adults in a community-based setting.

Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work
- Conversational to fluent Japanese language proficiency
- Experience in social services, behavioral health, or housing navigation.
- Working knowledge of government benefit programs and housing resources.
- CPR certification, valid driver’s license, and reliable transportation required.
- Experience engaging with older adults, immigrant communities, or underserved populations
- Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
- Comfortable working independently on-site during daytime hours

Preferred:
- Experience with advance care planning (e.g., DPOA discussions) or basic resident support services
- Familiarity with IHSS or other senior-support programs (helpful but not required)