Case Worker

THE SALVATION ARMY•HICKORY, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Case Worker monitors an assigned caseload of clients participating in an emergency day shelter program. The role establishes program plans and goals, evaluates client progress through routine meetings with clients and/or staff, and advocates for clients to obtain services that help them cope with their environments. The position also determines eligibility for social-service assistance, processes food, clothing, and furniture vouchers, and maintains accurate client files, case records, and program data. The Case Worker may assist community service workers and perform other assigned duties. This job description is not all-inclusive, and the incumbent may be asked to perform other job-related responsibilities and tasks.

Requirements

Associate degree or two years of college coursework from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Behavioral Science, or a related field.
Two years of experience working in a social or public-service environment with case-management experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of effective methods for organizing and maintaining records.
Knowledge of social-service case-management principles and practices.
Skill with Microsoft Word and Excel, including creating and maintaining spreadsheets.
Ability to interview clients, evaluate their needs, and determine eligibility under program guidelines and restrictions.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with the public and community agencies.
Ability to build effective relationships with diverse groups and remain sensitive to their concerns.
Ability to present a positive and professional image of The Salvation Army.
Ability to meet attendance requirements; read, write, and communicate effectively in English; perform mathematical calculations; and type and enter information into a computer.
Ability to sort and file documents alphabetically and numerically and to manage multiple cases effectively without becoming frustrated or disorganized.
Ability to operate general office equipment, including a telephone, computer, and adding machine.
Ability to lift and carry light objects weighing less than 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

Interview applicants and determine eligibility for emergency day shelter enrollment according to established guidelines.
Conduct needs assessments, gather relevant information, set program goals, and refer applicants to internal specialists or other agencies when appropriate.
Develop client intake materials; help clients complete required paperwork, including goals and budget forms; complete orientation checklists and obtain release-of-information forms when appropriate.
Meet regularly with clients to review progress and maintain accurate, current records of those meetings.
Monitor client behavior, group attendance, and movement; receive incident reports and enforce disciplinary actions for shelter infractions.
Plan, coordinate, and facilitate life-management classes; obtain speakers and workshop presenters as needed.
Mentor clients and model effective hygiene, personal appearance, record retention, budget planning, and scheduling.
Refer clients to programs and agencies based on their needs and program plans.
Prepare discharge plans for clients leaving the program and transfer file contents to non-active files.
Attend community meetings with other agencies, explain the program, make client referrals, and maintain awareness of client progress.
Counsel clients and, occasionally, their children in emergency or stressful situations; determine appropriate placements and referrals.
Plan, coordinate, and facilitate group and individual crisis-intervention counseling; organize group activities, share information about community services, provide individual crisis counseling, publicize group sessions, and give community education speeches.
Counsel clients and anonymous callers by telephone during emergencies and provide information and referrals to appropriate community agencies.
Serve as a liaison and client advocate with schools, legal, social, welfare, public-safety, and medical agencies.
Interview clients requesting assistance, assess eligibility under program guidelines and restrictions, record disposition and pertinent information, and assist with applications.
Photocopy supporting documents such as Social Security cards, picture identification, payroll statements, and utility bills.
Prepare and process food, clothing, and furniture vouchers for eligible clients and direct clients to the Family Store or Food Pantry for assistance.
Prepare and maintain case records, logs, client files, assessments, monthly client statistics, and progress notes; ensure records are accurate and complete.
Enter relevant client information into the established Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Assist community service workers as needed and perform other duties as assigned.