Client Needs Specialist

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory•Kankakee, IL

13d•$16 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Client Needs Specialist role is responsible for answering the telephone, providing assistance to people in a warm and professional manner, and performing clerical duties for the Director. Conduct screening interviews with potential applicants in accordance with EA & ETH Emergency Transitional Housing eligibility definitions and provide clients with intake application packets to be completed for specific programs. Conduct regular outreach to identified community partners or social services sites to identify eligible applicants and refer them to the ETH Case Manager.

Requirements

High School Diploma, associate's degree or applicable experience in social service or human service-related field preferred. Significant experience will be considered in lieu of.
A minimum of three to five years’ knowledge and administrative work experience related to Social Services and supporting others through Case Management is preferred. Familiarity with local resources, Continuum of Care and homeless service providers.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
Close attention to detail and a high level of confidentiality
Ability to multi-task several projects concurrently
Must have an interest and ability to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
Ability to establish and implement policies and procedures.
Demonstrated awareness of budget resources and cost control, as well as planning and administering budgets.
Proficiency in computer software applications, including demonstrated experience in using email, MS Office applications.

Responsibilities

Provides clerical support to the Director
Assist with receiving visitors. Conduct screenings with all calls & clients that enter the Kankakee location to determine ETH qualifications.
Answer telephone calls and direct calls to the appropriate staff/departments. Conduct client intakes and assess the level of need; completing all appropriate assessments and paperwork and gathering documentation per the requirements laid out by IDHS program guidelines.
Check the voicemail, distribute messages or return calls as needed.
Provide appropriate referrals for individuals not eligible for Emergency Assistance services. Refer ETH clients to the ETH/POH Case Manager.
Refer Clients to the Emotional Spiritual Care staff for spiritual enrichment upon request.
Initiates and coordinates the application process for the Seasonal Assistance programs as needed.
Sign in clients to the Food Pantry and make copies of client’s ID and all required documents. Prepare hygiene and food packages for clients.
Enter all intakes for Food Pantry & ETH into SIMS Enter monthly client information into SIMS pertaining to Emergency Assistance EA Services reporting in compliance with SIMS policies and procedures to support National and Territorial program outcomes.
Submit monthly statistics as required for The Salvation Army and other grants received.
Schedules for initial appointments for new ETH clients with ETH POH Case Manager
Meet with their Director of Social Ministries on a regular basis, at least monthly for individual consultation and supervision to assist with the management of the Emergency Service Provider/ETH/POH
Attend staff meetings and community events as needed
Provide support for case management staff in maintaining accurate client intake & initial referrals for case files, including intake, identity documentation, & follow-up letters
Perform all other duties as related to the Emergency Assistance Program as assigned by the Kankakee Director of Social Ministries.
Maintain positive work atmosphere through appropriate conflict management, courteous demeanor, and professional and appropriate communication practices.