Emergency Assistant Case worker

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory; Independence (MO); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory is seeking a qualified ERAP Program Assistant to interview and evaluate residents for Emergency Rental Assistance funding in Jackson County, Missouri. This role involves screening clients, pre-qualifying requests, and guiding them through ERAP applications with attention to accurate documentation and timely processing.

Responsibilities include maintaining funds accounting, submitting monthly reports, and coordinating with partner agencies to ensure

Qualifications

• High School diploma; two years of college work in Human Services; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two years of experience with low-income and minority populations.
• Must complete The Salvation Army’s Caseworker Certification Program within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Interview and evaluate ERAP funding eligibility for residents.
• Screen clients for emergency assistance needs and potential benefits.
• Assist clients in completing ERAP applications and required documents.
• Process ERAP applications timely and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Digital literacy

Team collaboration

Customer service

Virtual interactions

Education

Some college in Human Services

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Job Objective:

Responsible for interviewing, evaluating and administering Jackson County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funding to residents of Jackson County, Missouri.

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 Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funding
• Process ERAP applications as they are assigned and received in a timely manner
• Follow all prescribed guidelines for dispersing ERAP funds and ensure compliance with federal and local regulations
• Ensure all required documentation is obtained and maintained in client files when providing ERAP assistance
• Process check requests for ERAP funds according to The Salvation Army's financial guidelines
• Maintain an accounting of all ERAP funds received and distributed from the emergency assistance account via spreadsheets, back up documentation, and input into MAAC Link
• Utilize technology platforms to communicate and collect information and documentation
• Submit a monthly statistical report of all ERAP 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
• Refer clients to the Corps Officer in times of spiritual need

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
• Must be comfortable with virtual, phone, and face to face interactions
• Must demonstrate a high level of digital literacy and ability to learn and navigate technology systems
• Ability to operate essential office equipment including telephone, personal computer, copier, fax and scanning equipment

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Physical Requirements:

Include speaking, hearing and vision ability; manualdexterity; 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.