Social Services & Case Worker (Food Pantry) (4330)

This position is responsible for:

Receives and receipts deliveries and donations; greets and announces visitors and clients; provides general information about The Salvation Army's operations and services; performs routine clerical work such as typing and filing. Provides social service assistance to eligible clients in the following areas: food, lodging, clothing, furniture, and financial assistance; interviews clients to determine need and eligibility to receive services; prepares accurate and complete client records; refers clients to community agencies and maintains effective working relationships with the same; ensures compliance with program policies and procedures.  Monitors caseload of clients participating in Emergency Financial Assistance program. The Case Worker is responsible for administering emergency financial assistance through a variety of resources under the direction of the EFA Program Manager and Director of Social Services. Serves as an advocate for client in order to acquire services that will prevent further crisis prevention services.

Key Responsibilities: 

SOCIAL SERVICE WORKER DUTIES (60% of time):

• Greets and interviews clients requesting assistance at the food pantry to determine client's eligibility for assistance based on program guidelines and restrictions; records clients disposition and other pertinent information such as income, expenses, family and work history; assists clients in completing applications for assistance; photocopies social security cards, picture identification cards, payroll statements, utility bills etc.

• Prepares, completes, and processes food, clothing, and furniture vouchers for eligible clients; directs clients to Thrift Store for assistance.

• Refers qualified clients to food pantry.

• Coordinates food pantry and trains volunteers to assist with day-to-day operations.

• Prepares food bags according to the number of family members.

• Receives and processes donated food items.

• Ensures compliance with all USDA guidelines and regulations.

• Assists eligible clients needing transportation assistance.

• Prepares and files client records in a timely manner ensuring all information is accurate and up-to-date; obtains signatures of clients as needed; reviews and tracks all client records in order to determine if client is active or inactive; maintains confidentiality of client information.

• Prepares and maintains statistical records on all services provided; compiles and prepares monthly statistical reports; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same.

CASE WORKER RESPONSIBILITIES (40% of time):

• Conducts pre-screen phone interviews to determine initial eligibility for EFA program enrollment based on the established guidelines and requirements.

• Meets with clients to discuss need and complete required paperwork and items necessary for application process; Collects and reviews all necessary documents from EFA clients either via email or in-person.

• Ensures completion of client on-line application to determine eligibility and establish the needs.

• Completes the required spreadsheets and program information systems on the same day the client has been seen.

• Inputs client and commitment information on FPL Portal and provides a letter of approval to the client.

• Inputs family information into appropriate databases and checks existing information in said databases, updating if necessary.

• Uploads documents to existing databases and ensures that privacy guidelines are established and followed (ex, no copies of Social Security Cards and State Ids in the files.)

• If paper files are required, then creates, maintains and/or updates file folders with the names of the client and account holder, dates, grants used, and benefit amounts.

• Meets the time constraints set forth by funders and EFA leadership.

• Refers clients to appropriate Corps programs or other agencies based on clients’ needs and in accordance with their program plan.

• Attends community meetings with representatives of other agencies in order to educate them about the program, make client referrals and maintain awareness of client's progress.

• Participates in all team meetings by bringing forth questions and possible solutions to outstanding issues.

• Keeps to the standards and protocols set forth by EFA Program Manager and Director of Social Services so there is consistency across the department.

• May perform work at one or more locations to meet with clients based on the approved meeting schedule set forth by the Director of Social Services.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares and files client records in a timely manner ensuring all information is accurate and up-to-date through HMIS and obtains signatures of clients as needed.

• Performs related work for special and seasonal projects such as Angel Tree and Disaster Relief.

• Performs other related work as required.

• Ensures applications and paperwork are filed per office procedures.

• Informs EFA Program Manager immediately when there is a problem, potential problem, or if deadlines cannot or have not been met.

• Remains up-to-date on all emails and changes.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.) 5-10% of work time. 

• Duties are usually performed seated.  Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking. 

• Work is performed in a normal office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like.

Employee Benefits:

• Paid Time Off

• Retirement Savings Plan Available

• Supplemental Insurance Available

• Voluntary Life Insurance and more!

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Two years of college coursework from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Behavioral Science, or a related field, AND
• Two years experience working in a social or public service environment with experience assisting the public, OR
• any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Salary : $22