Pathway of Hope Caseworker

POSITION TITLE: Pathway of Hope Caseworker

LOCATION/DEPT: North & Central Illinois Division / Assigned Corps (Kroc, Red Shield, Laramie and Lawn)

REPORTS TO: Corps Officer

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: Full-Time

OUTCOMES

Fulfill The Salvation Army mission by helping to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the people within our area of influence. Provide financial assistance and/or referrals to clients in need based on established criteria as well as assess families with minor children for eligibility in the Pathway of Hope (POH) program. This position will coordinate all Pathway of Hope services using a strength-based case management model for families to break the cycle of crisis and change the trajectory of their lives. Establish a continuum of care with clients that effectively integrates all services, programs and ministries of the Corps and Community Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Pathway of Hope duties

Outreach/Engagement/Case Management

1. Conduct regular outreach to social services sites and other locations in the community to identify eligible applicants.
2. Engage and build rapport with the target population.
3. Conduct screening interviews with potential applicants in accordance with POH eligibility requirements.
4. Collaborate with the Hope Strong Regional Social Work Manager, who is responsible for Pathway of Hope in your area.
5. All Case Management, Direct Assistance, and some Agency and Community Networking information is entered into The Salvation Army Information Management System (SIMS).
6. Perform all necessary assessments and required documentation for admission, referral needs, explanation of program and expectations.
7. Schedule regular meeting times with participants to develop and review goals and objectives.
8. Conduct home visits or visits at designated meeting space as determined by the case plan, when applicable.
9. Give referrals and resources as needed.
10. Complete all necessary reports for POH.
11. Promote the spiritual dimension of Salvation Army social services programs, emphasizing the importance of Christian influence and evangelism in all Salvation Army ministries, including the delivery of social services in contemporary settings.
12. Ensure client confidentiality in accordance with established procedures and regulations. Be knowledgeable of community social services and interpret social services regulations in a clear, accurate and helpful manner to clients

Record Keeping

1. Create and update client files and input data into SIMS database.
2. Maintain all necessary statistics and data with on time monthly submission of statistics to Corps Officer(s).
3. Complete required reports and submit them on a timely basis.

Community

1. The coordinator will provide 20 hours per week of Pathway of Hope services for each assigned location They will be knowledgeable of community social services and be able to interpret social services regulations in a clear, accurate and helpful manner to clients.
2. Serve as the liaison between clients and other organizations/agencies.
3. Work cooperatively with staff, clients and agencies to provide quality/caring services.
4. Establish and cultivate professional community agency relationships and participate in community agency meetings, upon request of Corps officer.

Education and training

1. Attend training sessions that support the initial implementation phase and ongoing training requirements for POH.
2. Attend training sessions that support the initial implementation phase and ongoing training requirements for SIMS.
3. Attend in-service training and outside conferences/workshops as requested and approved by the Corps Officers.
4. Participate in POH workshops and other training events at the territorial, divisional or local level, as requested and/or assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in human service area: prefer BSW from an accredited college or university. Associates degree with extensive experience in strength-based case management may substitute for a bachelor's degree as determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Minimum of two years of case management experience in a comparable social service program that offers multi-faceted case management interventions designed to address the needs of those who are vulnerable, utilizing a strength-based approach.
• Fluent in English and Spanish preferred.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills in standard English and Spanish in order to concisely articulate information for applications, presentations, and public speaking.

COMPETENCIES

• Engage with others from collaborative alliances, influence, motivate, manage change, and address barriers. Assess community needs, plan interventions, and participate in community leadership applying research-based practices.
• Critical thinking, conduct complex data analysis, articulate analysis and evidence based research, and creative problem solving.
• Organize/implement plans, develop policies/procedures, standardize operations, manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, delegation, establish and meet goals, be detail oriented, and develop strategies for Continued Quality Insurance (CQI).
• Adaptable in culturally diverse environments, and respectful of cultural differences.
• Effective team leadership modeling ethical standards. Adaptability to changing conditions and requirements. Discretion in confidential information flow. Conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Ability to meet and maintain The Salvation Army driver qualification eligibility.
• Must be proficient in common office software programs: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office, and Excel.
• Supportive of the mission of The Salvation Army.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do moderate physical work and must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and PC.
• The work environment for this position includes an office environment with a low noise level.
• Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or occasional continuous basis
• Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as reference materials, files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead