Emergency Assistant Case worker @ Independence

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory; Independence (MO); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory in Independence, MO seeks a dedicated caseworker to interview, evaluate, and provide emergency assistance to individuals and families in need. You will screen clients, verify eligibility, and coordinate referrals with community partners to help people access available resources.

You will maintain records, assist with FEMA filings, and collaborate with the Corps Officer and POH case manager to support self-sufficiency goals.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma; two years of college in Human Services preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience: Two years working with low income and minority populations.
• Certification: Must complete The Salvation Army's Caseworker Certification Program within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Receive calls and visitors to The Salvation Army
• Screen potential clients for immediate emergency assistance needs
• Pre-qualify requests for emergency assistance including eligibility through interviews and verifications
• Refer clients to other agencies per TSA guidelines
• Assist clients in completing applications for emergency assistance and related programs
• Maintain and track funds using spreadsheets and internal systems
• Prepare FEMA files for submission yearly and maintain documentation
• Submit monthly emergency assistance transactions to the Corps Officer
• Establish relationships with community agencies and POH case manager
• Coordinate seasonal outreach with officers and staff
• Purge and store files annually
• Refer clients to the Corps Officer for spiritual support
• Complete other assignments as directed by the Corps Officer

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Independent work

Office equipment

Education

High School diploma

Some college in Human Services

Bachelor's degree preferred

Caseworker Certification (90 days)

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, 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.