Case Manager (Elkhart)

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division seeks a Case Worker to provide emergency transactional services to low-income applicants. You will support social services and help meet basic needs during crises, aligning with The Salvation Army's mission.

Responsibilities include client interviews, resource guidance, and coordination with community agencies, plus database management and program-specific support such as Pathway of Hope.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Background check required and reviewed.
• 1+ year of applicant interview experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Meet with applicants to assist with applications and assess needs for food, utilities, housing, shelter, emotional and spiritual support.
• Oversee the food pantry operation including distribution, collection and packing of materials.
• Provide information on resources and educate applicants using a financial toolkit; coach on energy-savings.

Skills

English fluency

Spanish language

Computer proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work/psychology/sociology

Job description

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.

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.

Salary Range Starting at: $17.50/ per hour

Job Overview

As the Case Worker you will provide emergency transactional services to low-income applicants, assisting them in meeting their basic needs during crisis. As a member of the social service team your position will support the overall social services of the operation and ensure that the Mission of The Salvation Army is effectively carried out.

What You Will Do

• Meets with applicants; assists with application processes; assesses needs for food, utilities, housing, shelter, emotional support, spiritual care, or other needs.; determines eligibility for resources; develops plans to address the presenting problem and provide support for peripheral issues
• Oversea the food pantry operation; including but not limited to distribution, collecting, and packing material to be distributed to clients
• Provides information on resources; utilizes a person-centered approach to educate applicants utilizing a financial toolkit; coaches applicants on ways to reduce energy consumption as applicable
• Maintains working relationships with community agencies for awareness of available services, coordinates service and communicates about cases, assures that valid releases of information are on file
• Enhances personal knowledge and skill through regional and divisional educational forums
• Uses electronic database to enter, retrieve, and maintain accurate case records per protocols
• Manages client service transactions, monitors fund balances, and requests funding as appropriate
• Fulfills ad hoc and periodic survey requests, and provides information needed for reports to administration
• Meet with families to do goal setting case management through the Pathway of Hope Program for those families selected for the program
• Performs other job duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal education, experience, skills, and/or abilities required for this position.

Education: Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional work experience

Background Checks: Position requires a background check to be completed, and all background check results will be reviewed.

Experience: One or more years of applicant interview experience (desired).

Certifications: Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain The Salvation Army Driver’s qualification standard; must complete Safe From Harm training within the first 90 days of employment. Must complete Caseworker Certification Program within 120 days of employment.

Skills/Abilities

• Able to speak, write and understand English in a manner sufficient for effective communication with leadership, field personnel, and clientele
• Ability to speak, write and understand Spanish in a manner sufficient for effective communication with clientele is preferred.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft products and ability to learn electronic reporting systems

Supervisory Responsibility

No supervisory responsibilities

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties of this job.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job.

Physical Requirements Include

• Good speaking, hearing and vision ability, and excellent manual dexterity
• Lifting, pulling and pushing of materials up to 50 pounds
• May require bending, squatting, walking
• May require standing for extended periods

Travel

Minimal travel may be required.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office environment; may require some weekend and evening work

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.

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the position. Other job-related responsibilities and tasks may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.