Case Worker 1 - Gloucester County

Catholic Charities Diocese OF Camden Inc; Camden (NJ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Charities Diocese OF Camden Inc in Westville, NJ is seeking a Case Worker 1 to serve clients with care and dignity, helping them access tools to become more independent. The role involves assessing needs, coordinating services, answering phones and emails, and supporting daily center operations.

You will work closely with regional staff, participate in community events, and assist in training volunteers.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of entitlement programs and regulations; navigate resources
• Understanding of social issues affecting the poor in southern New Jersey
• Knowledge of community social services and eligibility criteria
• Strong interpersonal, time management and communication skills
• Ability to relate compassionately with people in emergency situations
• Cultural and economic sensitivity
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook
• Bilingual preferred (English and Spanish)
• Ability to write clearly for documentation

Responsibilities

• Reflects the mission and vision of Catholic Charities in every encounter with and on behalf of clients and staff
• Responds to clients' information requests in a timely, compassionate, and professional manner
• Assesses client needs to determine eligible services or linkages to resources
• Maintains confidentiality of client information
• Uses agency database to complete client case notes
• Tracks and reports client data using Excel and Word
• Participates in staff meetings and trainings; represents the agency at meetings
• Collaborates to order, stock, and distribute food as needed
• Contributes to program development and continuous improvement
• Trains and supervises program volunteers

Skills

Entitlement programs knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Communication skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

High school diploma + 3 years social services experience

Job description

Description

Gloucester County – Case Worker 1

The Case Worker 1 serves clients in need with care and dignity offering them the tools to be more independent moving forward. They work closely with the staff and Family and Community Center Regional Program Coordinator to assess the client's situation and determine the possible assistance that can be offered. They are involved in the day-to-day operations of the Family and Community Center located in Westville, NJ including answering the door, phones, and emails while ensuring an efficient and effective client experience. They will assist the supervisor as needed and participate in community events and meetings. The ideal candidate is calm, organized, caring, cooperative, flexible and a creative problem solver.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Reflects the mission and vision of Catholic Charities in every encounter with and on behalf of clients and staff
• Responds to clients' request for information and services in a timely, compassionate, and professional manner
• Speaks with or meets with requesting assistance to assess their needs, to determine if they can be assisted by services offered by Catholic Charities and/or for linkages to other community resources.
• Assesses clients' financial need, ability to follow through with a plan, and adequacy of client documentation for particular funding requirements. Screens for possible presence of additional problem areas, such as substance abuse that could require additional assessment, referrals to other service providers, and follow up, and communicates this with Supervisor.
• Makes necessary contacts to verify client information. Maintains confidentiality of all client information and services provided at all times, in accordance with the policy of Catholic Charities and state and federal laws.
• Utilizes agency database to complete all client case notes in a timely and comprehensive manner
• Assists in the tracking and collection of client and statistical data utilizing Excel spreadsheets and Word reports
• Participates in staff meetings, department and agency-wide trainings, and represents Catholic Charities at regular monthly meetings with State and County partners, to report on activities and to advocate for the needs and best interest of those facing homelessness
• When appropriate, collaborates with other staff and volunteers to order, stock, and distribute food, and completes reports related to food distribution
• Participates in the implementation and ongoing development and continuous improvement of the program.
• Assists to train and supervise program volunteers
• Ensures immediate and thorough communication to Regional Program Coordinator of program problems and provide recommended resolution to identified problem.
• Maintains a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that fosters good relationships with customers, clients, external colleagues and management.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

May have oversight of program volunteers

Qualifications

• Knowledge of entitlement programs and program regulations, federal, state and community resources and expertise in navigating these resources.
• Possess an understanding of the social issue impacting the poor in southern New Jersey
• Possess basic knowledge of existing social services programs in the community, and a thorough understanding of eligibility criteria or know how to obtain this information
• Possess strong interpersonal, time management and communication skills
• Ability to relate directly, but compassionately, with people in emergency situations
• Be sensitive to the needs of culturally and economically diverse populations
• Possess strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Working knowledge of office software, especially Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook
• Bilingual preferred (English w/Spanish)
• Ability to write clearly and proficiently for completion of documentation

Education and/or Experience

A Bachelor's degree in social work or other relevant human services degree is preferred. In lieu of a degree, a high school diploma and 3 years' experience in other social services settings will be considered.