Social Services Caseworker

LOCATION: North West Valley Corps

STATUS: FTE/40 hours/wk

MISSION STATEMENT

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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of local community resources
• AA Degree in related field preferred
• Computer literate in MS Office Software
• Ability to demonstrate competency in provision of social services through education, volunteerism or previous work experience
• Ability to relate to persons in emotional crisis and to utilize crisis intervention skills
• Possess ability to develop and maintain a positive working relationship with fellow agency staff and professionals from other agencies.
• Ability to complete documentation accurately in a timely manner, possess time management skills and be able to work independently
• Be organized and detail oriented
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must have valid Arizona Driver's license with clean motor vehicle record
• Must pass a criminal background check

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond to community requests for financial assistance
• Respond to telephone inquiries for emergency assistance in a timely manner to determine those who qualify for assistance.
• Provide appropriate referrals to other agencies that may assist client either during telephone prescreen or in-office interview.
• Interview clients to complete initial files and assistance application.
• Based on completed documentation determine assistance eligibility, review prescreen, interview, and after reviewing client information
• Complete financial assistance in the form of vouchers, guarantees, or other documentation required to pay bill.
• Facilitate the receipt of financial assistance through available grants and other funds.
• Provide food assistance in the form of food boxes and/or USDA food.
• Complete all aspects of USDA and food box documentation and reports.
• Provide accurate and complete food invoices.
• Recruit and supervise volunteers for the food pantry.
• Keep inventory and order food items for food pantry and/or holiday food boxes.
• Travel to the outside agency food pantries and/or grocery rescue as necessary to pick up available foods for the TSA food pantry.
• Assess a client while in the office for any available ancillary or referral services.
• Provide advocacy and assistance with applications for Identification, Social Security, AHCCS, Food Stamps or other social or health services when appropriate and advisable.
• Follow up as necessary with other agency staff co-managing client cases for planned outcome.
• Complete of required forms and reports for client financial assistance and in a manner that agrees with the requirements of grants or other funding sources.
• Maintain accurate on-going case records for all interactions with client and agencies.
• All client files are to be entered into the Wellsky database within 3 days, or sooner if necessary for time limited reports.
• Be familiar with and contribute to agency compliance with expectation and grant outcome mandates.
• Regularly review program policy and procedure manual to remain up to date on all aspects of our Emergency Assistance Program, and other standards.
• Maintenance of necessary documentation for services provided.
• Provide daily, weekly and monthly reports to Supervisor as requested.
• Attend assigned staff meetings.
• Assist, as directed by supervisor with The Salvation Army seasonal programs.
• When requested, assist with planning and execution of special projects to include community fairs, promotional events, food program, and agency in-services.
• Attend Pathway of Hope training as provided by Divisional Headquarters as requested.
• Implement and document the Pathway of Hope Salvation Army program.
• Maintain an orderly and professional office environment free from clutter.
• Communicate in a professional manner with various community agencies and resources
• Maintain and build on relationships with current and possible future collaborators.
• Develop positive relationships with community agencies and other professionals.
• Other related duties as assigned as they relate to the position of Case worker.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and reach with hands and arms on a continuous basis. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must have the ability to operate telephone, a desktop or laptop computer, as well as the ability to access and produce information from a computer, and to understand written information.