JSSA's Synagogue Liaison Program is an exciting partnership between JSSA social workers and congregations in Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. A designated JSSA clinician works closely with a given congregation, ensuring that each program is uniquely tailored to fit the demographics and needs of the members and staff of the congregation. Synagogue liaisons are experienced, licensed clinical social workers and provide ongoing support for clergy and staff as well as on-site, short-term services for congregants. They refer to JSSA's clinical social workers, psychologists, board-certified psychiatrists and educational specialists on an as-needed basis for longer term intervention and support.
JSSA provides assistance to congregations in managing the challenges of leading synagogue communities:
- Synagogue staff often face situations involving complex family or mental health issues and may not have expertise in these areas. JSSA clinicians can help address these issues and can partner with staff in serving congregants.
- When a crisis arises within the congregation, the synagogue liaison is able to respond quickly and effectively because of her familiarity with the congregation and can bring in additional JSSA resources.
- The ongoing relationship between synagogue liaison, synagogue staff, and members helps to facilitate a solid understanding of the dynamics of a congregation, as well as engenders a trust and credibility, enabling JSSA to provide service at a deeper level.
- The synagogue staff benefits from the opportunity to have a single contact at JSSA and a person to whom they can directly refer congregants. Although the synagogue liaisons work with congregants on a short-term basis, they are able to streamline entry into the JSSA network of professionals.
Synagogue Liaison services include:
- Consultation to staff including clergy, directors of preschools and religious schools, executive directors, teachers, and youth advisors, regarding member issues as well as programmatic, organizational and personal issues
- Consultation to congregants addressing mental health or challenging family issues and referrals to JSSA or other community resources when needed
- Consultation to synagogue committees such as Bikur Cholim, Caring Committee, etc.
- Classroom observations
- Workshops and groups on topics of interest to the congregation such as parenting, caring for aging parents, and grief and loss.
For more information about JSSA's Synagogue Liaison program or if you are interested in having your Maryland, DC or Northern Virginia congregation participate, please call Natalie Merkur Rose, LCSW-C, LICSW, director of Jewish Community Outreach at 301-610-8319 or send an email inquiry.
Other services our clients have found helpful:
Synagogue Liaison Program 
