Social Services Caseworker

Salvation Army Careers•Surprise, AZ

About The Position

The Social Services Caseworker responds to community requests for emergency and financial assistance, assesses client needs and eligibility, provides referrals and advocacy, and maintains accurate case documentation. The role also supports food pantry operations, including food assistance, inventory, volunteer supervision, and required USDA records and reports. The caseworker maintains relationships with community agencies, follows program policies and funding requirements, and participates in Salvation Army programs, training, staff meetings, and special projects as directed.

Requirements

Knowledge of local community resources.
Computer literacy in Microsoft Office software.
Ability to demonstrate competency in providing social services through education, volunteerism, or previous work experience.
Ability to relate to people in emotional crisis and use crisis intervention skills.
Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with agency staff and professionals at other agencies.
Ability to complete documentation accurately and on time, manage time, and work independently.
Organized and detail-oriented.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Valid Arizona driver’s license and a clean motor vehicle record.
Must pass a criminal background check.
Ability to perform essential duties with or without accommodation, including the physical activities and lifting requirements described in the posting.
Ability to operate a telephone and desktop or laptop computer, access and produce information from a computer, and understand written information.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Respond to requests and telephone inquiries for emergency financial assistance, determine eligibility, and provide referrals to other agencies.
Interview clients and complete initial files, assistance applications, and required documentation.
Determine assistance eligibility based on prescreening, interviews, and client information.
Provide financial assistance through vouchers, guarantees, or other payment documentation, and facilitate assistance through available grants and funds.
Provide food assistance through food boxes and/or USDA food; complete related documentation, reports, and invoices.
Recruit and supervise food pantry volunteers, maintain inventory, order food, and pick up food from outside pantries or grocery rescue programs as needed.
Assess clients for ancillary services and provide advocacy or assistance with applications for identification, Social Security, AHCCCS, Food Stamps, and other social or health services when appropriate.
Coordinate with agency staff co-managing client cases and follow up as needed to support planned outcomes.
Complete required forms and reports in accordance with grant and funding requirements; maintain accurate case records and enter client files into the WellSky database within three days or sooner when needed.
Stay current on program policies, procedures, compliance expectations, grant outcomes, and documentation requirements.
Provide daily, weekly, and monthly reports to the Supervisor as requested; attend assigned staff meetings.
Assist with seasonal Salvation Army programs and, when requested, plan and execute special projects such as community fairs, promotional events, food programs, and agency in-services.
Attend Pathway of Hope training when requested and implement and document the Pathway of Hope program.
Maintain an orderly, professional office environment and communicate professionally with community agencies and resources.
Maintain and develop relationships with current and prospective collaborators and other professionals.
Perform other related duties as assigned.