Outreach Caseworker

The Salvation Army•Ithaca, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Seeking an Outreach Caseworker to join our Ithaca Team. This role provides case management services for permanent supportive housing clients. The caseworker will engage residents through long-term case management, supportive counseling, advocacy, and referral to community resources and life-skills training. A key objective is building relationships with Tompkins County agencies dealing with homelessness, substance abuse, and housing. The role involves seeking out local housing agencies, landlords, and nonprofit organizations, monitoring housing availabilities to match individuals and families in need of supportive or permanent housing. The caseworker will also coordinate events or programs that support The Salvation Army's ministry and work directly with individuals who have recently been housed to assist them in their journey to a more stable housing situation.

Requirements

High School Diploma
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in this line of work
Proficiency in computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Word, and others as required.
Valid New York Driver’s License accepted by The Salvation Army’s insurance.

Nice To Haves

Strong communication and organizational skills
Responsible, respectful, positive role model and be able to follow instructions.
Well Organized and sensitive to individual’s cases.
Public speaking and face to face networking is a must.
Compassionate and caring demeanor towards people and a Love for God.

Responsibilities

Provide case management services for permanent supportive housing clients.
Engage residents through long-term case management, supportive counseling, advocacy, and referral to community resources and life-skills training and support.
Build relationships with Tompkins County agencies dealing with homelessness, substance abuse, and housing.
Seek out local housing agencies, landlords, and other nonprofit organizations and monitor housing availabilities to match them with individuals and families in need of supportive or permanent housing.
Coordinate events or programs that help the ministry of The Salvation Army.
Work directly with individuals who have recently been housed to assist them in their journey to a more stable housing situation.
Assist residents with adjusting to independent living, connect them with appropriate community resources for mental and physical health, work with them to find pro-social activities in the community, and monitor well-being throughout their residence.
Provide services through a combination of home visits, office appointments, and on-site community meetings.
Check in with subcontractors and residents by phone or face-to-face at least once per week, and more often should the resident need more support.
Offer life skills classes on various topics at least monthly in coordination with subcontractors.
Deliver program activities under the direction of the community outreach & housing director and the corps officers to ensure contract compliance and adequate standards of care for residents.
Deliver case management services to ESSHI units (thirteen residents in Founder’s Way, seven residents in Village Grove, and eighteen residents in 2nd Wind Cottages).
Tailor the frequency of support service to residents’ needs, increasing support during transitional or high-stress periods and decreasing during periods of stability.
Meet with residents on an on-going basis based on client needs.
Coordinate with subcontractors to provide life skill workshops monthly and provide as needed assistance with life skills on an individual basis.
Coordinate with subcontractors to oversee the development of an individualized service plan with each resident based on their needs, interests, and skill levels.
Identify needs and make referrals to community providers.
Provide empathetic, non-judgmental support in crisis situations and as part of on-going case management.
Monitor/manage agreements with clients.
Contract with clients to provide reasonable accommodation for those unable to abide by routine agreements.
Actively monitor client progress towards Individualized goal plans.
Participate in quarterly client case reviews and provide case consultation to other staff members related to client needs.
Collaborate with and provide support to external partners and staff.
Maintain service statistics for internal and external reporting, using database tools.
Maintain case records to meet standards (client rights/confidentiality, assessment-based service planning, clear and concise individual case narratives, documentation of referrals, termination of services and/or eviction documentation).
Network with community providers and provide advocacy on behalf of clients.
Represent program and agency in the community at meetings and case conferences.
Demonstrate cultural competence, as well as integrate understanding into daily responsibilities and participate in meeting the objectives of The Salvation Army, Empire State Divisional Strategic Priorities, and Ithaca Corps.
Collaborate with community partners to ensure quality of care for residents.
Identify and interact with families and individuals to assess their immediate needs and connect them with social services programs that would assist them, assess their most urgent needs, appraise the situation, and listen to the clients’ concerns.
Conduct intake, evaluations, and assessments of prospective clients referred through the agencies associated in the partnership The Salvation Army.
Develop individualized service plans in conjunction with the various goals and objectives of the position as determined by the agency and the funding source.
Maintain statistical accountability and fulfill contractual obligations associated with The Salvation Army and its funding sources.
Assist with outreach activities as requested or when appropriate.
Act as a team member and collaborate with other agency programs.
Maintain all written information for complete case records.
Develop a plan of action to address identified root causes and needs of clients, set goals and outcomes for said clients, and find necessary resources to meet the goals.
Establish community collaborations with outside agencies to serve as a client advocate, enhancing a collaborative relationship to maximize the individual or family’s ability to make informed decisions.
Consult with other external agencies to provide support services and resources.
Participate in required social service, homelessness counseling, supportive housing casework, and other appropriate TSA training seminars.
Stay in touch with clients to ensure the services were beneficial and that their needs are still met after pointing clients in the right direction for services.
Maintain confidentiality, respect privacy, and preserve the clients’ routine and independence as much as possible.
Recognize spiritual needs of person, refer to the Corps officers for pastoral care as appropriate.
Coordinate services with all seasonal social service programs as requested by Corps Officer and Divisional Headquarters.
Answer basic caller questions or refer as needed regarding The Salvation Army or community-based programs.
Share with the Community Outreach Director and Corps Commanding Officer, all matters of mutual concern relating to the total welfare of the Social Service at the Corps.
Prepare monthly statistics for Staff meetings.
Prepare Thrift Store Assistance Vouchers when necessary.
Respond to correspondence pertaining to Social Services.
Assist in aspects of public relations events and campaigns as assigned by the Corps Officer.
Fulfill any other tasks that may be assigned on an as-needed basis requested by Commanding Officer.

Benefits

Generous time off every year including 14 paid holidays, up to 3 personal days, vacation time, and sick time
Employer funded Pension Plan (company contributions begin after 1 year of continuous employment)
Comprehensive Health Care Coverage with low cost employee premiums, co-pays, and deductibles
Company Paid Basic Term Life Insurance for Employee
Long Term Disability Insurance
Eligibility for supplemental insurance plans including Short Term Disability, AFLAC, and Voluntary Term Life
Flexible Spending Account
Eligibility for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Tax Deferred Annuity (403B)
Christmas Bonus