Emergency Financial Assistant

Catholic Charities of Buffalo•Dunkirk, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Catholic Charities of Buffalo is seeking a full-time Emergency Financial Assistant to serve as a mobile worker supporting individuals and families across Chautauqua County. This role involves responding to emergency basic-needs situations and assisting clients with the 1115 Waiver Program. Services will be provided in the Dunkirk office and the community, focusing on areas with limited resources or where clients face barriers. The assistant will also deliver services at mobile locations like community hubs and provider fairs, offering immediate support, information about Catholic Charities, local resource mapping, and collaboration with partners. Responsibilities include conducting phone/email screenings and intake assessments for Emergency Assistance, and providing coverage for EA staff at other sites. With training, the worker will help clients achieve longer-term financial stability. Catholic Charities is a non-profit human services agency dedicated to empowering individuals, children, and families across Western New York for over 100 years. They offer comprehensive programs addressing poverty, financial crisis, hunger, behavioral health, workforce readiness, family stability, immigration, resettlement, and elder care. As a trauma-informed agency, they prioritize client and employee well-being, diversity, inclusion, and safety through various committees.

Requirements

Associate degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Gerontology, or a related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
Minimum of two (2) years' experience connecting clients with community-based services.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work respectfully with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, severe mental illness, or trauma.
Able to manage challenging behaviors with empathy and professionalism.
Experience in care coordination, care management, community-based services, or as a Community Health Worker.
Background in community, healthcare, public health, non-profit, or related settings.
Highly detail-oriented with excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and ability to maintain confidentiality in compliance with all privacy requirements.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain program guidelines and complex information clearly.
Strong critical-thinking and interviewing skills, with the ability to ask insightful questions to understand client needs and identify appropriate supports.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort using electronic platforms, databases, and case-management systems.
Strong time-management skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Must possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Applicant must reside in New York State to be considered.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of social work principles, trauma-informed care, solution-focused problem-solving, and cultural humility strongly preferred.
Familiarity with community resources, social service systems, and human service providers in Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties preferred.
Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide professional and compassionate case management by accurately assessing client needs, engaging in problem-solving conversations, supporting self-resolution when possible, and offering immediate assistance or referrals when needed (by phone, email, or in person).
Document all client interactions in WNYICC or the Case Management system, tracking each contact by geographic area and presenting need.
Provide empathetic, culturally respectful screenings for social determinants of health, whether by phone, virtually, or in person.
Process daily screens and referral intakes, including client calls, documentation, and insurance or eligibility verification.
Receive, prioritize, and triage screenings and referrals that require connection to community-based services.
Manage incoming referrals to ensure timely and successful linkages between clients and appropriate service providers.
Document progress, actions taken, and all referral activity in the WNY Integrated Care IT platform as required.
Maintain clear and supportive communication with clients and referral partners to ensure referrals are accepted, completed, or redirected when necessary.
Handle client questions and concerns with excellent customer service, empathy, and patience.
Participate in the WNY Integrated Care Screening/Navigation Workgroup.
Provide excellent customer service across all interactions-phone, in person, and email.
Use WNY Integrated Care social care technology and transportation platforms to support client needs.
Seek opportunities to simplify and enhance the client experience.
Follow all policies and procedures related to HIPAA and federal/state/local regulations, including Fraud, Waste, and Abuse requirements.
Verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States as required by federal law.
Maintain and continually update a comprehensive list of community resources and service providers related to basic needs in Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties.
Participate in local coalitions and contribute to collaborative community efforts.
Develop strong working knowledge of FEMA, TANF, SNAP, HEAP, SSI/SSD, and other benefit programs to screen and enroll clients at any location.
Assist with general office operations, including answering and returning calls, copying, faxing, preparing documents, supporting staff and building safety, billing, data entry, case management, and other duties as assigned.

Benefits

35 hours per week
13 paid holidays
25 PTO days per year (pro-rated first year)
Comprehensive health, dental & vision coverage for full-time employees
Employer-paid life insurance (full-time)
Ancillary benefit offerings
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) option
Health Savings Account (HSA) option with HDHP enrollment
Employer-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
403(b) Retirement Plan (eligible after first pay period) with employer contribution after six months