Emergency Assistance Caseworker

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

ELGIN CORPS

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Emergency Assistance Caseworker

LOCATION/DEPT: Elgin Corps

REPORTS TO: Social Services Coordinator

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RPT

OUTCOMES

This position requires the employee to appropriately help all who come to the Corps center for socio-economic and possibly physical and spiritual needs. Employee also provides material assistance based upon available resources and offers information as it available through interagency and/or networking partnerships.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Direct Client Services (60%)
   1. Interviews persons requesting assistance, to assess their need. Obtains background information from client and makes assessment.
   2. Develops service plan with the individual or family to identify service needs and goals. Collaborates with area agencies involved with client in implementing service plan.
   3. Returns phone calls of clients that leave messages and assesses how The Salvation Army may help.
   4. Grants material assistance based upon need and as a part of a total service plan. Verifies eligibility. Document income, expenses, and family size.
   5. Distributes utility and rental assistance according to established program policies. (Nicor, Sharing, Pathway of Hope, FEMA, etc.). Makes referrals, based upon need and as a part of the total service plan. Makes specific arrangements for client to apply for additional resources, when appropriate. Refers individuals/families to:
      1. Other area agencies/services.
      2. Other corps services (Sunday services, Character Building, etc.).
      3. Other Salvation Army services for longer term help (i.e. Salvation Army Evangeline Booth Lodge, Family & Community Services, Harbor Light Center, etc.).
   6. Maintains concise comprehensive written case records on all clients requesting assistance, including FEMA, utility assistance programs, Pathway of Hope, and seasonal Christmas assistance. Consistently updates interviewer's notes on SIMS database. Interviewer's notes include assessment, service plan, assistance given, and referrals made.
   7. Assists with food pantry and home goods pantry operations including running the pantries during operating hours, restocking pantries, and reporting to supervisor when additional products are needed.
2. Administration (40%)
   1. Maintains and processes proper documentation for all FEMA expenditures.
   2. Is responsible for the thoroughness and accuracy of daily and monthly Salvation Army casework statistics and additional program statistics, required by funding sources.
   3. Organizes time and manages job so that maximum service is given to clients and job performance meets corps quantitative standards.
3. Other Duties
   1. Performs other duties, as assigned by the Corps Officer(s) and Social Service Coordinator.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Under general supervision of the Corps Officer. This position reports directly to the Social Services Coordinator.

This individual also relates to, and interacts with, a wide range of contacts both within and outside the Salvation Army. In these contacts, they act as a representative of the Army and its mission.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as timeliness and accuracy of accomplishing assigned goals will be reviewed.

A 30, 60, and 90-day performance review will be conducted.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a High School degree or its equivalent.
• Participation in continued training and educational programming in order to enhance job competencies and to meet Certification requirement.
• Additional training such as AS/AA or BA/BS social work, sociology or human services preferred.
• Fluent in English and Spanish. Professional written and verbal communication skills in Standard English and Spanish, preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• All social services workers/social services staff will be required to complete the Central Territory Caseworker certification program.
• Cultural sensitivity with an interest in providing direct services to persons of various ethnic, racial, religious, and social backgrounds.
• Friendly with excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, using diplomacy and good judgment.
• Integrity with the ability to work with confidential material.
• Problem solving skills including Assessment, Service Planning, Material Assistance, Resource Development and Networking, Referral and Linkage, Follow-up, and Documentation.
• Time management skills with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and use initiative.
• Capacity to collaborate with Corps, Family & Community Services and Emergency Disaster Services.
• Ability to work in a computer-based work environment.
• Knowledge of general office equipment and procedures, including a personal computer and the use of the Microsoft Office software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do moderate physical work and must be able to lift 30 pounds.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and PC, etc.
• The work environment for this position includes an office and community center environment with a low noise level.
• Must be able to drive full size van, walk stairs, etc.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.