Case Worker - Emergency Assistance

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory in Topeka, KS seeks an Emergency Assistance Case Worker to interview clients, evaluate needs and administer aid for emergency situations. You will screen applicants, verify information, and coordinate referrals to partner agencies.

You will also manage funds, assist with pantry operations, and support grant reporting under the direction of the Social Ministries Director. Prior human services experience is valued.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required; a minimum of two years of college work in Human Services, bachelor's degree preferred.
• Two years of experience working with low income and vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

• Interview, evaluate and administer aid to clients with emergency needs.
• Screen potential clients for immediate emergency assistance needs.
• Evaluate eligibility requests for emergency assistance and verify information.
• Make referrals to other agencies per Salvation Army guidelines.
• Assist clients in completing applications for mainstream resources and programs.
• Maintain records of funds received and distributed and input into MAAC Link.
• Coordinate food pantry and supervise volunteers.
• Prepare grant reimbursements and reports with the Social Ministries Director.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Office equipment operation

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma

Two years of college in Human Services

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

MAAC Link

Spreadsheet software

Office suites

Job description

Job Objective: The Emergency Assistance Case Worker is responsible for interviewing, evaluating and administering aide to clients seeking assistance with emergency needs.

Essential Functions

• Receive calls and visitors to The Salvation Army
• Screen potential clients for immediate emergency assistance needs
• Evaluate eligibility requests for emergency assistance needs of individuals and families through scheduled appointments, interviews, contacting third-party sources, and evaluating and verifying all information
• Make referrals to other agencies by following the guidelines and procedures of The Salvation Army
• Assist clients in completing an application for mainstream resources, commodities, Christmas sign-ups, etc.
• Maintain an accounting of all funds received and distributed from the emergency assistance account via spreadsheets, back up documentation, and input into MAAC Link
• Assist the Social Ministries Director in preparing all grant reimbursements and reports, keeping extra copies of all documentation
• Submit a monthly statistical report of all emergency assistance transactions to the Corps Officer for entering into TSA Statistical System
• Establish and maintain familiarity with all emergency assistance grants
• Coordinate food pantry, including purchasing of groceries and supervising volunteers
• Facilitate seasonal and monthly distributions
• Establish and cultivate professional community agency relationships with other helping agencies in the community
• Work closely with the Pathway Of Hope (POH) case manager and refer clients to POH
• Purge and store files annually
• Refer clients to the Corps Officer in times of spiritual need
• Complete other assignments as directed by the Corps Officer and/or Social Ministries Director as necessary to the goal of assisting clients on the road to self-sufficiency

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High School diploma. A minimum of two years of college work in Human Services, with a bachelor's degree preferred. A combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to the knowledge base achieved by the above standard is acceptable at The Salvation Army's discretion.

Experience: Two years of experience working with low income and vulnerable populations

Certifications/Licenses: Must complete The Salvation Army's Caseworker Certification Program within 90 days of hire

Skills/Abilities

• Must have positive interpersonal relations skills
• Must have the capacity to relate to people with dignity and respect in a non-judgmental manner
• Must possess and demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing
• Must have the ability to work independently and with other staff members
• Ability to operate essential office equipment including telephone, personal computer, copier, fax and scanning equipment

Supervisory Responsibility

Volunteers or others as deemed appropriate by the Corps Officer and/or Social Ministries Director

Physical Requirements

Include speaking, hearing and vision ability; manual dexterity; lifting, pulling and pushing materials up to 50 pounds; bending, squatting, and walking; sitting up to five hours per day; standing up to two hours per day. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job.

Travel

Travel to meetings and conferences as required by the Corps Officer and/or Social Ministries Director; occasional out of town travel to meetings and conferences; overnight stay may be required

Driving

Driving is required; must possess a valid driver's license from the state in which you reside. Must be approved through The Salvation Army Fleet Safety Program to drive either a Salvation Army or personal vehicle on Salvation Army business.

Working Conditions

Work performed in a typical office environment.

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 Mission

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 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.