Case Worker

Pay Range: $18-$23

The Salvation Army Mission Statement:
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

A. BASIC PURPOSE
The purpose of this position is to provide consistent stability and safety to the Shelter program through direct service to clients. This service includes professional interactions, distribution of case materials, budget guidelines, housing expectations, employment resources, housing resources, life skill training, communicating with donors, service providers and the community. This includes assistance with written and oral communications while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Schedule, interview and evaluate needs of individuals
* Develop and monitor case plans
* Provide assistance in accordance with established schedules and guidelines
* Maintain list of community agencies providing aid and make referrals where appropriate
* Write and maintain confidential client case histories documenting requests, findings and services rendered
* Assist in outreach to bridge clients to additional Salvation Army programs
* Work with the Director to maintain certification/compliance in the areas of Nutrition, Safety, and Clinical Standards
* Ensure all housing and services provided to participants are of acceptable quality
* Assist with enforcing the Policies and Procedures Manual for Garden Street Family Shelter
* Be on rotation for the pager schedule, should an emergency warrant the need for professional staff
* Assess housing barriers of families experiencing homelessness to determine housing and service needs Progressive Engagement to customize plans for each participant
* Assist in development of and encourage adherence to a personal budget through pro-active housing and budget counseling sessions
* Assist participants in development of a strength-based/solution-focused individualized goal and action plan that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency; develop an effective, timely referral network to ensure ongoing direction and support and needed
* Identify participant strengths and barriers to stability and assist participants in reducing barriers and linking to resources/services
* Other duties as assigned by Director/Officers

C. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS
* Ability to work effectively with others with demonstrated leadership qualities
* Professional judgment and integrity holding in confidence all information pertaining to clients
* Related experience with Substance Abuse programs and/or completion of ARC Program helpful, but not necessary
* Must have a valid Class C California State driver's license
* Must pass a criminal background check
* Two years of actual experience working with the homeless, chemically dependent, or other human service fields required.
* Must be able to work efficiently with Microsoft Word and Excel.
* Good communication and time management skills
* Sound judgment, problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
* Ability to handle multiple demands and priorities
* Ability to relate to diverse populations
* Strong functioning ability in both individual and teamwork environment
* Demonstrate the ability to work with minimal supervision
* Good writing, composition skills, and computer skills
* Be conversant with and supportive of The Salvation Army's Mission

E. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
* Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
* Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and other office equipment
* Ability to lift 20 pounds
* Ability to communicate clearly on the telephone and in person
* Ability to perform various tasks
* Ability to operate a motor vehicle