Emergency Assistance Case Worker

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division in Saint Joseph, MO, is seeking an Emergency Assistance Caseworker to interview clients and assess urgent needs, guiding them toward available aid programs.

You will maintain accurate records, coordinate with FEMA and local agencies, and help families on the path to self-sufficiency, while upholding the organization's mission.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required; a bachelor’s in Human Services preferred.
• Two years of experience with low income and minority populations.
• Caseworker certification within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Interview and evaluate emergency needs of clients.
• Screen callers and determine eligibility for assistance.
• Pre-qualify requests and verify information with third parties.
• Refer clients to partner agencies and services.
• Assist with applications for emergency assistance and programs.
• Maintain financial records and prepare monthly reports.
• Prepare FEMA files and submit required documents.
• Collaborate with POH case manager and other agencies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Ability to work independently

Office equipment proficiency

Education

High School diploma

Bachelor's degree in Human Services preferred

Job description

Job Objective

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
• Pre-qualify requests for emergency assistance needs of individuals and families including a determination of their eligibility 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 emergency assistance, commodities, Christmas sign-ups, etc.
• Track all monies spent in their respective spreadsheets, i.e., FEMA, grants, Project Warmth, Salvation Army designated fund, 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 Corps Officer in preparing all FEMA files for submission annually, 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 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
• Coordinate and assist in seasonal outreach with officers, staff and other agencies
• 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 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 minority 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

Physical Requirements

Include speaking, hearing and vision ability; manual dexterity; lifting, pulling and pushing materials up to 25 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; occasional out of town travel to meetings and conferences; overnight stay may be required

Driving

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.