Social Services Specialist Jobs in Buffalo, NY
Social Services Specialist jobs in Buffalo are in steady demand, concentrated on the East Side, downtown Buffalo, and the Elmwood Village corridor, across healthcare systems, county human services agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Employers hiring right now include Kaleida Health, Elderwood, and Homespace. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 21+ Social Services Specialist jobs
Social Worker BSW
Department: BGMC Hertal Elmwood Health Center
Location: Hertel-Elmwood Int Medical Ctr
Location of Job: US:NY:Buffalo
Work Type: Per-Diem
Scheduled Work Hours: Variable
Shift 9
Job Description
To assess the psychosocial needs of patients/families/significant others and provide services in accordance with professional social work standards and in collaboration with the interdisciplinary health care team.
Education And Credentials
Bachelor of Science Social Work or related field required. PASRR Screen within 6 Months regulatory required. NYS DOH PASRR Screen Certification is required (regulatory) within six months of hire/transfer for all inpatient departments. If not offered in 6 months, must take the next available class. OCH BSWs hired/transferred into an inpatient BSW position prior to 8/12/14 are grandfathered for PASRR Certification.
Experience
2 years of experience in counseling preferred. 2 years of experience in discharge planning in an adult acute care or nursing home setting for inpatient departments only. Discharge planning experience refers to transitioning patients from the acute care or nursing home setting, educating patients and families on placement process and understanding services available in the community and the referral process. Preferred qualification for OCH. Nursing home knowledge preferred for inpatient departments only. Social Work Intern within the past year will be considered for inpatient setting.
** For clinical positions, other than Registered Nurse and nursing support positions, internal applicants must have been employed in the same job title as the per diem position for which they are applying or in a comparable area of practice. Internal and External applicants must have a minimum of nine (9) continuous months of comparable work experience within two (2) years of the time the per diem job is posted. All applicants will be required to satisfy all orientation/probationary requirements.**
Working Conditions
- Weight Requirement - Light (up to 20 lbs)
Job Details
Standard Hours Bi-Weekly: 15.00
FTE: 0.200000
Weekend/Holiday Requirement: No
On Call Required: No
With Rotation:
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Union Code: U25 - CWA 1168 BGH Professionals
Requisition ID#: 20975
Grade: P3
Pay Frequency: Bi-Weekly
Salary Range: $31.84 -$40.35
- Wage will be determined based on factors such as candidate's experience, qualifications, internal equity, and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Kaleida Health’s mission is to advance the health of our community, and we believe our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategic work is mission- critical for the good of our workforce and the community who need and depend on our care and services. We understand that racism and health inequities stand firmly in the way of advancing the health of our community, and Kaleida Health envisions DEI as the pursuit of equity and restorative justice for every person. We will exemplify courage and accountability through both the professing and practice of our core values for our friends, colleagues, and community. Kaleida Health is committed to creating a culture of equity and inclusion where diversity is valued and celebrated!
Social Worker BSW
Department: BGMC Hertal Elmwood Health Center
Location: Hertel-Elmwood Int Medical Ctr
Location of Job: US:NY:Buffalo
Work Type: Per-Diem
Scheduled Work Hours: Variable
Shift 9
Job Description
To assess the psychosocial needs of patients/families/significant others and provide services in accordance with professional social work standards and in collaboration with the interdisciplinary health care team.
Education And Credentials
Bachelor of Science Social Work or related field required. PASRR Screen within 6 Months regulatory required. NYS DOH PASRR Screen Certification is required (regulatory) within six months of hire/transfer for all inpatient departments. If not offered in 6 months, must take the next available class. OCH BSWs hired/transferred into an inpatient BSW position prior to 8/12/14 are grandfathered for PASRR Certification.
Experience
2 years of experience in counseling preferred. 2 years of experience in discharge planning in an adult acute care or nursing home setting for inpatient departments only. Discharge planning experience refers to transitioning patients from the acute care or nursing home setting, educating patients and families on placement process and understanding services available in the community and the referral process. Preferred qualification for OCH. Nursing home knowledge preferred for inpatient departments only. Social Work Intern within the past year will be considered for inpatient setting.
** For clinical positions, other than Registered Nurse and nursing support positions, internal applicants must have been employed in the same job title as the per diem position for which they are applying or in a comparable area of practice. Internal and External applicants must have a minimum of nine (9) continuous months of comparable work experience within two (2) years of the time the per diem job is posted. All applicants will be required to satisfy all orientation/probationary requirements.**
Working Conditions
- Weight Requirement - Light (up to 20 lbs)
Job Details
Standard Hours Bi-Weekly: 15.00
FTE: 0.200000
Weekend/Holiday Requirement: No
On Call Required: No
With Rotation:
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Union Code: U25 - CWA 1168 BGH Professionals
Requisition ID#: 20975
Grade: P3
Pay Frequency: Bi-Weekly
Salary Range: $31.84 -$40.35
- Wage will be determined based on factors such as candidate's experience, qualifications, internal equity, and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Kaleida Health’s mission is to advance the health of our community, and we believe our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategic work is mission- critical for the good of our workforce and the community who need and depend on our care and services. We understand that racism and health inequities stand firmly in the way of advancing the health of our community, and Kaleida Health envisions DEI as the pursuit of equity and restorative justice for every person. We will exemplify courage and accountability through both the professing and practice of our core values for our friends, colleagues, and community. Kaleida Health is committed to creating a culture of equity and inclusion where diversity is valued and celebrated!
See All 21 Social Services Specialist Jobs in Buffalo
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Find JobsSocial Services Specialist Job Market in Buffalo
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Social Services Specialist Jobs in Buffalo: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a social services specialist job in Buffalo?
The strongest path into Buffalo's market is targeting Erie County's Department of Social Services, the major healthcare networks along the Medical Campus, and the network of nonprofits serving refugee, housing, and mental health populations. Candidates with case management experience, bilingual skills, or familiarity with New York State benefits systems stand out. Checking county job boards alongside healthcare and nonprofit career portals gives you the widest local reach.
Which companies hire social services specialists in Buffalo?
Companies currently hiring social services specialists in Buffalo include Kaleida Health, Elderwood, and Homespace, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Buffalo's hiring base is anchored by large health systems, county government agencies, and a dense cluster of community-based nonprofits serving the city's diverse neighborhoods.
Are there remote social services specialist jobs in Buffalo?
Yes, though with limits: social services specialist work is largely community- and client-facing, so fully remote roles are uncommon, but care coordination, benefits counseling, and administrative case management functions do lend themselves to hybrid arrangements. About 18% of social services specialist openings tied to Buffalo are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with the highest concentration at larger health systems and statewide program administrators based in the region.
How can I get a social services specialist job in Buffalo with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point in Buffalo is a case aide, community health worker, or benefits navigator role with Erie County DSS, a Federally Qualified Health Center, or a resettlement nonprofit such as those serving Buffalo's large refugee community. These positions build the direct client contact and documentation skills Buffalo employers expect before moving into a full specialist role. Volunteer experience with neighborhood-based organizations on the East Side or West Side also strengthens early applications considerably.
Which industries hire the most social services specialists in Buffalo?
Buffalo social services specialist roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Buffalo's medical campus expansion, Erie County's robust human services infrastructure, and the city's large nonprofit sector all drive sustained demand for specialists across these fields.
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See All 21 Social Services Specialist Jobs in Buffalo
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