Social Services & Case Worker_NE-FL_701-Social Services Department

Social Services/Case Worker_Social Services Department-701

THE SALVATION ARMY

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

JOB CODE:  6400

DATE: 6/2/14

JOB TITLE:                                       SOCIAL SERVICES WORKER/CASE WORKER

 

INCUMBENT:                                  

 

REPORTS TO:                                   SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAM COORDINATOR

 

DEPARTMENT:                                SOCIAL SERVICES

 

LOCATION:                                      VERO BEACH CORPS

 

FLSA STATUS:                                  NON-EXEMPT

 

 

JOB SUMMARY:

 

Provides social service assistance to eligible clients in the following areas: food, clothing, hygiene, and financial assistance; interviews clients to determine need and eligibility to receive services; conducts site inspections and visits; prepares accurate and complete client records; refers clients to community agencies and maintains effective working relationships with the same; ensures compliance with program policies and procedures.  Participates with Social Service Receptionist/Assistant in overseeing the Center traffic on a daily basis and serves as back-up as necessaryby interacting with donors, partners, volunteers, clients and the general public, as necessary.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:               This position description should not be interpreted as all inclusive.  It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this position.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this position description.

 

Greets and interviews clients requesting assistance to determine client's eligibility for assistance based on program guidelines and restrictions; records clients disposition and other pertinent information such as income, expenses, family and work history; assists clients in completing applications for assistance; photocopies social security cards, picture identification cards, payroll statements, utility bills, leases, etc.

 

Prepares, completes, and processes food, clothing and miscellaneous requests for eligible clients, directs clients to internal and external resources and agencies, when appropriate.

 

Processes rent and utility financial assistance for eligible clients; contacts utility organizations and landlords to arrange and process financial assistance.

 

Conducts site inspections and home visits at client homes, when required by grant contract.

 

 

Serves as liaison to other agencies in order to obtain/coordinate assistance on client's behalf; builds and maintains professional working relationships with community agencies.

 

Prepares client records in a timely manner ensuring all information is accurate and up-to-date; obtains signatures of clients as needed; accurately enters client data into HMIS database; maintains up-to-date social service case history files on all clients; maintains the confidentiality of same.

 

Conducts, documents, and tracks required follow-up communication with clients to determine long-term outcome of assistance provided; prepares reports detailing same.

 

Prepares and maintains statistical records on all services provided; compiles and prepares monthly statistical reports; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same.

 

Prepares, maintains, and files client associated bookkeeping records; prepares and records check requests and forms for utility companies and landlords.

 

Qualifies and assists eligible clients needing emergency transportation assistance.

 

Answers telephone in a courteous and tactful manner; assists clients by providing accurate and complete information regarding the Social Service Program operations and/or services.

 

Attends Salvation Army and/or grant required or beneficial training classes, seminars, and meetings; maintains applicable certifications to ensure grant contract compliance.

 

Provides clients with food from pantry; receives and stocks or oversees the stocking of items donated for the pantry; serves clients visiting the Clothes Closet for clothing, hygiene, and household goods and/or assists volunteers serving in that function.

 

Qualifies and assists eligible clients needing emergency transportation assistance.

 

Serves as primary contact and coordinator for seasonal programs including Camp Keystone, school supply drive, Thanksgiving Baskets, senior Angel Tree program, etc.; makes client contact; receives and processes applications and ensures clients of these programs are served effectively.

 

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Types and files routine correspondence, documents, lists, reports, etc. on behalf of the Service Center Manager.

 

Performs data entry functions and mail merges for donor thank you letters when requested by manager; prepares periodic internal center signage advertising special events for clients.

 

Assists in receiving incoming mail.

 

Assists in preparing bank deposits.

 

Prepares and submits various reports for Area Command as requested by manager.

 

Ensures Service Center is maintained in neat and orderly manner.

 

Assists clients in accessing the Internet in order to file for food stamps, unemployment, or other social services benefits.

 

Serves as backup facilitator of the weekly lunchtime worship services for the community when requested.

 

Performs other related work as required.

 

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

 

Computer                                             Copier/Printer/Fax/Scanner

Calculator                                            Salvation Army Vehicle

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

 

High school diploma or G.E.D.,

 

and

 

Two years experience working in a social or public service environment with experience assisting the public,

 

or

 

any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

 

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

 

Valid State Driver’s License.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

 

Knowledge or general office practices and principles.

 

Knowledge of social service practices and principles.

 

Ability to interview clients in order to evaluate and serve their needs.

 

Ability to determine client eligibility for program assistance based on specific program guidelines and restrictions.

 

Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with the public and community agencies.

 

Ability to prepare accurate and complete client records, reports, and statistics.

 

Ability to become and remain certified to drive Salvation Army vehicle according to Salvation Army insurance requirements.

 

Ability to present a positive and professional image of The Salvation Army.

 

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

 

Ability to meet attendance requirements.

 

Ability to read, write, and communicate the English language.

 

Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

 

Ability to sort and file documents alphabetically and numerically.

 

Ability to operate various general office equipment including a telephone,  computer, copier/printer/fax/scanner, and adding machine.

 

Ability to travel to various locations in order to conduct site inspections and home visits for clients and to participate in required training sessions, meetings, and conferences.

 

Ability to maintain self-motivation.

 

Ability to multitask, prioritize, and follow through despite frequent interruptions.

 

Ability to function in a hectic and busy environment serving individuals in crisis.

 

Ability to communicate respectfully, effectively, and compassionately with people of diverse social, economic, educational, emotional, physical, and mental health levels, experiencing a wide range of circumstances, needs, and goals.

 

Ability to remain calm, compassionate, patient, respectful, and loving to those served and who serve with us.

 

Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.) 5-10% of work time.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

 

Work is performed in a busy open community center environment.  Clientele served may not be well groomed.  Work outside the center consists of visiting clients in their homes for inspections or case work follow-up.

 

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.

 

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

 

The purpose of a job description is to outline the essential functions unique to a particular job within a specific department.  Job descriptions are used to recruit, train, and evaluate employees.

 

Your signature below indicates that you have read and understand the job description and agree to perform the duties as assigned.

 

Employee Signature                                                                                          Date

 

When an application is selected for review, typically, only applicants who indicate the relevant education and experience requirements, as indicated in the job description for the position, may be considered for job openings. Please FULLY complete the application, answer questions completely, honestly and to the best of your ability. Please also upload a copy of your resume (when available). Those applicants requiring accommodation to the application and/or interview process should contact a representative of the Human Resources Department at the applicable location.

We appreciate your interest in employment opportunities with The Salvation Army!