Client Needs Specialist

The Salvation Army

Position Description

Kankakee Corps

Position Title: Client Needs Specialist

Job Summary: The Client Needs Specialist role is responsible for answering the telephone providing assistance to people in a warm and professional manner, and performing clerical duties. Conduct screening interviews with potential applicants in accordance with EA & ETH Emergency Transitional Housing eligibility definitions, and provide clients with intake application packets to be completed for specific programs. Conduct regular outreach to identified community partners or social services sites to identify eligible applicants and refer them to the ETH Case Manager.

Reports To: Director of Social Ministries

Supervises: None

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a passion for fulfilling the mission of The Salvation Army and must be articulate in presenting the same to others, possessing the ability to relate with warmth, understanding, acceptance, and empathy.

Candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment background inquiry and annual motor vehicle check with a valid driver's license.

Education:

High School Diploma required, associate's degree or applicable experience in social service or human service-related field preferred.

Skills:

• Be aware and knowledgeable of internal policies and procedures.
• Ability to efficiently and effectively communicate with people and work on projects successfully.
• Team player, self-starter, and perform well with minimal supervision.
• Must have an interest and ability to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
• Demonstrate awareness of available funding resources and programs available as related to social ministries.
• Proficiency in computer software applications, including demonstrated experience in using email, MS Office applications, the Internet, and Social Media platforms.
• Must be able to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary. Especially in emergent situations.

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 Christ. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provides clerical support to The Salvation Army staff and program departments
• Assist with receiving visitors. Conduct screenings with all calls & clients that enter the Kankakee location to determine ETH qualifications.
• Answer the telephone and direct calls to the appropriate staff/departments.
• Conduct client intakes and assess the level of need; completing all appropriate assessments and paperwork, and gathering documentation per the requirements laid out by IDHS program guidelines.
• Check the voicemail, distribute messages or return calls as needed.
• Provide appropriate referrals for individuals not eligible for Emergency Assistance services. Refer ETH clients to the ETH/POH Case Manager.
• Refer Clients to the Emotional Spiritual Care staff for spiritual enrichment upon request.

• Initiates and coordinates the application process for the Seasonal Assistance programs as needed.
• Make copies of client's ID and all required documents.
• Enter all intakes for ETH into SIMS Enter monthly client information into SIMS pertaining to Emergency Assistance EA Services reporting in compliance with SIMS policies and procedures to support National and Territorial program outcomes.
• Submit monthly statistics as required for The Salvation Army and other grants received.
• Schedules initial appointment for new ETH clients with ETH POH Case Manager
• Meet with their Director of Social Ministries on a regular basis, at least monthly for individual consultation and supervision to assist with the management of the Emergency Service Provider/ETH/POH
• Attend staff meetings.
• Salvation Army Risk Management Training Course Work & SIMS training (required)
• Perform all other duties as related to the Emergency Assistance Program as assigned by the Kankakee Director of Social Ministries.
• Maintain a positive work environment through appropriate conflict management, courteous demeanor, and professional and appropriate communication practices. (required)
• Provide support for case management staff in maintaining accurate client intake & initial referrals for case files, including intake, identity documentation, & Follow up letters
• Maintain compliance in The Salvation Army's "Safe from Harm" Certification. (required)
• Any other duties as assigned.

Position Ranking:

• Regular Full Time, Non-Exempt, $17.00 Hourly

Physical Demands/ Work Environment:

This Position is required to do basic business and office work. In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the individual is regularly required to talk and listen, stand, walk, sit, and use hands. Individuals must be able to regularly lift up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift up to fifty pounds. The use of Office and Computer Equipment is necessary. Vision abilities will require close vision. Work may be performed indoors and occasionally requires outdoors to attend meetings. There is a low to moderate noise level for this position.

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer.

Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.