Case Worker-NE_Social Svc Dept-701

POSITION SUMMARY:

Monitors assigned caseload of clients participating in a short-term life management program; establishes program plan/goals and evaluates client's progress by conducting routine meetings with client and/or staff; serves as advocate for client in order to acquire services that will enable them to functionally cope with their environment.

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.

Interviews applicants to determine eligibility for program enrollment based on established guidelines and requirements; conduct needs assessment, obtain pertinent information and establish program goals for eligible clients; refers applicants to other agencies if not appropriate for program.

Develops intake and case plans for client; instructs clients in completing necessary paperwork including goals and/or budget forms; completes orientation check-off form and obtains release of information forms when appropriate; completes social history on new clients each week.

Prepares and maintains case records and logs on all assigned clients; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same; enters pertinent information into the established Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

Meets regularly with clients to discuss and evaluate their progress; prepares accurate and up-to-date records documenting the same; receives incident reports and enforces disciplinary actions for infractions of the house guidelines.

Plans, coordinates, and/or facilitates life management classes to assist clients in obtaining skills that will enable them to functionally cope with their environment; obtains speakers and workshop presenters as needed.

Consistently serves as a mentor and provides positive examples of proper hygiene, personal appearance, records retention, budget planning, scheduling, etc.

Assists clients in locating/securing affordable housing; conducts home visitations when appropriate; ensures that client's living quarters are properly furnished and maintained; contacts appropriate person to facilitate needed repairs; conducts routine inspections of living quarters and grounds.

Refers clients to appropriate Corps programs or other agencies based on clients’ needs and in accordance with their program plan.

Completes discharge plans of clients exiting the program; transfers file contents to non-active file; prepares card for follow-up mailing.

Attends community meetings with representatives of other agencies in order to educate them about the program, make client referrals and maintain awareness of client's progress.

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

Monitors files in accordance with Salvation Army standards.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conducts tours of program facility for outside agencies as requested.

Assists with community services as needed.

Assists in performing social service work for special or seasonal projects.

Performs other related work as required.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

ComputerPhotocopy Machine CalculatorFacsimile Machine

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Two years of college coursework from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Behavioral Science, or a related field,

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:

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of social service case management.

Knowledge of social service resources and agencies in the community.

Knowledge of effective communication and motivation practices.

Ability to develop program plans and goals based on client's needs.

Ability to evaluate the client's progress toward program goals.

Ability to work with the public encompassing all types of behaviors.

Ability to interview clients and to obtain pertinent information.

Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and complete case notes and client records.

Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work in order to accomplish work in compliance with quality standards and deadlines.

Ability to build and maintain effective and professional working relationships with clients and community agencies.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

Ability to meet attendance requirements.

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

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to think clearly and quickly in order to maintain control of client caseload.

Ability to effectively and efficiently work on multiple cases at the same time without becoming frustrated or disorganized.

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

Duties are usually performed seated.Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a normal office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like.

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.