Community Caseworker

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory; Marquette (MI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory is seeking a Community Caseworker to assess needs, determine eligibility for services, and connect clients with appropriate aid and referrals.

The role coordinates the Food Pantry, documents client interactions in the management system, and collaborates with Pathway of Hope teams to support families toward greater stability. A related Associate's degree and a Michigan driver's license are preferred; certification within one year is required.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a social services agency or social work.
• Valid Michigan driver's license with clearance to drive.
• Must obtain Territorial Caseworker Certification within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, interview, and evaluate needs to provide assessment and referrals for services.
• Determine eligibility and provide services promptly based on available funding.
• Review household income and expenses and help develop monthly expense plans.
• Assess for emotional or spiritual needs and connect clients with Salvation Army and community resources.
• Oversee and coordinate Food Pantry operations and food distribution.
• Develop knowledge of community housing resources to support case management and referrals.
• Participate in community agency meetings and build professional relationships.
• Document all client meetings in the Client Management System with timely records and reports.
• Engage with Pathway of Hope activities locally and divisionally.

Education

Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field

Job description

The Salvation Army believes in meeting the basic needs of individuals and families, young and old. These basic needs include food, clothing, shelter and household needs. While meeting the physical needs, The Salvation Army staff also offer hope and guidance to those coming in for services. The Salvation Army offers holistic and strengths based case management services to families with children who have a desire to take action to break the cycle of crisis and attain a level of increased stability. Families will work in partnership with their case manager and ministry staff to develop an action plan as well as assess their strengths and progress while receiving support and encouragement to reach their goals.

The Community Caseworker will provide basic support and guidance to clients seeking assistance with emergency needs, utilizing case management skills to guide them to greater sufficiency. Responsible for interviewing, evaluating, and administering appropriate aid to clients including connecting with referrals to other Salvation Army and/or community services.

About the role:

• Schedule, interview, and evaluate the needs of individuals and families to provide assessment and screening services for potential applicants for appropriate services, information and/or referrals. Identify and assist clients appropriate for and desiring long term case management through Pathway of Hope, as assigned.
• Determine eligibility and provide service requested by the clients within a timely manner and based on available funding.
• Review with the clients their household income and expenses, and discuss developing a plan to manage monthly expenses.
• Listen and assess for other needs such as emotional and/or spiritual support and connect with Salvation Army and other community resources. Provide informational materials as needed.
• Oversees and coordinates the organization and daily operation of the Food Pantry program. Dispenses food orders during weekly distribution hours and in emergency situations.
• Develop and use working knowledge of community services and housing resources etc. to provide appropriate case management/referrals; provide referrals to other community resources as appropriate to access additional resources for clients to assist clients with their case plans and goal attainment
• Participate in community agency meetings and cultivate professional relationships with those agencies/groups as assigned.
• Facilitate information exchange with other collaborating agencies.
• Document all client meetings, encounters, and transactions, as well as enter specific information into Client Management System assuring that accurate and timely records, reports, and statistics are maintained.
• Participate fully with Pathway of Hope team activities locally and divisionally, as assigned.

Education: Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.

Certifications: Valid MI Driver's License with clearance to drive from The Salvation Army's insurance carrier preferred. Must obtain the Territorial Caseworker Certification within one year of hire.

Experience:

• 2 years experience working within a social services agency or social work field
• Or - Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities

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.