Case Manager - Pathway of Hope @ Independence Corp

The Salvation Army Central Territory•Independence, MO

About The Position

The Case Manager coordinates social services activities for the corps and provides direct assistance or referrals to clients according to established criteria. The role assesses families with minor children for eligibility in the Pathway of Hope (POH) program and delivers POH services using a strength-based case management model. Services are intended for families who want to take action to break the cycle of crisis and change the direction of their lives. The Case Manager conducts outreach and eligibility screening; completes intakes, assessments, case plans, home visits, referrals, advocacy, and financial assistance; and coordinates services with staff, contracted providers, and community resources. The role supports participants in working toward housing and economic stability, emotional stability, and self-determination, including through life-skills and budgeting classes, crisis planning, and discharge planning. The position maintains participant files, case notes, demographic and financial-assistance records, and required reports and SIMS data. It also supports quality assurance and program evaluation, tracks unmet needs, participates in record reviews and outcomes measurement, networks with community agencies, and attends required meetings and training. Local travel for weekly home and community-based meetings and visits is required. Work takes place in an office and in the community; some evening and weekend work may be required.

Requirements

Degree in a human service area; extensive experience in strength-based case management may substitute for a bachelor's degree.
At least two years of case management experience in a comparable social-service program providing multifaceted, strength-based interventions for families.
Interest in and ability to work with clients from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
Ability to collaborate on complex social issues within families and communities.
Ability to be creative, original, intuitive, and perceptive; think logically and critically; envision projects from beginning to end; and solve complex problems using appropriate judgment and decision-making.
Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish and English.
Demonstrated capacity to teach adults.
Familiarity with Salvation Army policies and procedures.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Clear criminal record.
Valid driver's license and approval through The Salvation Army Fleet Safety Program to drive a Salvation Army or personal vehicle on Salvation Army business.
Ability to perform physical activities including sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, and twisting, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
Ability to travel locally for weekly home and community-based meetings and visits.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience or strong interest in community outreach, organization, and community capacity development.

Responsibilities

Conduct community outreach, engage potential participants, screen applicants against POH eligibility requirements, present potential participants to the POH team, and refer individuals who are not eligible.
Complete participant intake and required documentation, explain the program and expectations, and conduct a written assessment within 72 hours of contact, including screening for serious personal safety and mental health issues.
Develop a case plan with each participant within one week of intake, including short- and long-term goals and objectives related to housing stability, increased income and financial resources and skills, and self-determination; update plans as needed.
Schedule regular participant meetings, conduct home visits as indicated by the case plan, provide information and referrals, connect participants with community resources, and provide advocacy when needed.
Provide financial assistance in accordance with program policies and procedures and coordinate case management with staff and contracted services.
Develop discharge plans addressing permanent housing stability, economic stability, emotional stability, and self-determination; help participants develop crisis plans and respond to emergencies during off hours.
Conduct life-skills and budgeting classes and complete required documentation for educational groups.
Maintain participant case files and detailed case notes, document progress and outcomes, prepare records for storage after discharge, and protect client confidentiality.
Maintain participant demographic data, submit monthly service-statistics summaries, and record financial assistance in participant files and the Salvation Army Information Management System (SIMS).
Attend agency, community, supervisory, corps-team, and other requested meetings; maintain relationships with community agencies; and guide and support community volunteers.
Represent the agency's purpose, philosophy, and function in the community and promote the spiritual dimension of Salvation Army social services.
Track and report unmet participant and family needs, document service effectiveness, contribute programming ideas, and support data quality and reporting for POH outcomes.
Collaborate with the POH program manager on program policies, procedures, goals, objectives, and outcome measures; participate in program evaluation and outcomes measurement.
Assist with annual POH evaluation and reporting, report program challenges, help develop action plans, and participate in quarterly random record reviews and annual compliance reviews.
Attend required POH implementation and ongoing training, in-service training, approved conferences and workshops, and other assigned POH training events.