Energy Assistance Services Case Specialist

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division seeks an Energy Assistance Services (EAS) Case Specialist to assist low-income clients with basic needs in a grant-funded role focused on transactional services and coordinated support.

You will greet clients, manage 20-25 transactions weekly, promote POH services, and maintain confidential records using our information management system. Strong ethics and social-work background are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or related field from an accredited college or university
• LLBSW or LBSW preferred

Responsibilities

• Greet clients and establish rapport with respect
• Average 4-5 cases with transactions per day (20-25 per week)
• Promote Pathway of Hope (POH) services and facilitate case management
• Use assessment tools to help with case planning
• Coordinate services to meet client needs using the case plan
• Maintain awareness and relationships with community agencies
• Participate in committees, meetings and conferences
• Become fluent in the Information Management System to maintain client files and reports
• Enter and save transactions for reserving funds and monitor balances
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education

Degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or related field

LLBSW or LBSW preferred

Job description

At The Salvation Army our employees are the heartbeat of our mission. We foster a community of passionate people dedicated to changing lives and bringing hope to those who need it most.
Position Summary: The Energy Assistance Services (EAS) Case Specialist is a grant funded position which meets the basic needs for food, energy, housing, transportation, and more for low-income clients. Assists applicants through transactional services.
Essential Responsibilities

• Greet clients and establish rapport. Approach clients and colleagues with an open and professional stance, showing respect for each person as a helping professional worthy of trust.
• Work to strengthen client sufficiency and external supports; empower clients to become more independent of emergency services by averaging 4-5 cases with transactions per day (20-25 per week).
• Promote Pathway of Hope (POH) services to potential clients and facilitate case management of families using the POH plan.
• Use assessment tools provided to help with case planning for transactional and relational work
• Coordinate services to meet client needs by using the case plan, linking clients with available resources to help them achieve their goals.
• Maintain awareness and relationships with community agencies and other social services agencies to help coordinate services to clients
• Participate in committees, meetings and conferences as requested by the supervisor.
• Become fluent in the use of the Information Management System used by The Salvation Army to maintain client files, statistical information and other reports as needed
• Enter and save transactions for reserving needed funds for clients, monitor the available fund balances and request additional allocations as appropriate
• Perform other duties as assigned
  

Qualifications
Education/Experience:

• Degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or related field from an accredited college or university, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• LLBSW or LBSW preferred.
  

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Learn and adhere to The Salvation Army Social Services Code of Ethics
• Adhere to professional codes of ethics as they apply to professional licensing
• Understand and adhere to professional boundaries within and outside of the organization
• Maintain client confidentiality and obtain appropriate releases of information
• Demonstrate a continued effort to increase self-awareness and to better understand other cultures and issues of social justice, and promote racial understanding and reconciliation
• Complete Caseworker Certification Program within 120 days of hire
  

Computer Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365
• Working knowledge of TEAMS and SharePoint
• Willingness to learn new software as needed
  

Certificates And Licenses

• Complete Safe From Harm training, and keep current as needed
• Must have and maintain a current valid driver's license and pass the Salvation Army Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR)