Social Services Coordinator

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH AND CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

ELGIN CORPS

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Social Services Coordinator

LOCATION/DEPT: Elgin Corps

REPORTS TO: Corps Officers

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

OUTCOMES

Carry out The Salvation Army's mission in practical matters 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 all families with minor children for eligibility in the Pathway of Hope (POH) program. Coordinate all Pathway of Hope services using strength-based case management model to families with a desire to take action 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

Emergency Assistance duties

Client Assistance

1. Interview clients to determine need.
2. Determine if client qualifies for Emergency Assistance (EA) or POH services based on policies and regulations governing eligibility.
3. Develop client assistance plans.
4. Provide referrals to appropriate agencies/services when assistance is unavailable or when further assistance is needed.
5. Maintain confidentiality of records and information.
6. Oversee pantry operations: including produce storage, meat storage, proper stock rotation, hours of operations, mobile pantry, commodities, etc.
7. Recruit and train National Able Network volunteers.
8. Recruit and train pantry volunteers.

Record Keeping

1. Create and update client file 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 (e.g., ESFP spend downs, Township Grant spending, Northern IL Food Bank grant spending and reporting) and submit them on a timely basis.
4. Maintain tracking of available funding at Corps.

Community

1. Be knowledgeable of community social services and 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 and jointly with staff, clients, and agencies to provide quality/caring services.
4. Maintain a working relationship with the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Attend trainings and maintain certifications per contract agreement.
5. Establish and cultivate professional community agency relationships and participate in community agency meetings.
6. Participate in grant writing, fundraising, and presentations as assigned.
7. Coordinate special outreach events and seasonal programs with Corps Officer(s).

Pathway of Hope Duties

Outreach and Engagement

1. Conduct regular outreach to social services sites and other locations in the community to identify eligible applicants.
2. Engage and build rapport with target population.
3. Conduct screening interviews with potential applicants in accordance with POH eligibility requirements.
4. Collaborate with the Divisional Social Services Case Management Director, who is responsible for Pathway of Hope in your area.

Case Management

1. Must enroll and graduate at least three Pathway of Hope participants into the program per year and maintain at least 3 POH participants on your caseload at all times. Additionally, you must follow the goals outlined in the Local Corps Action Plan.
2. All Case Management, Direct Assistance, and some Agency and Community Networking information is inputted into The Salvation Army Information Management System (SIMS).
3. Perform intake that includes required documentation for admission, referral needs, explanation of program and expectations.
4. Conduct a written assessment on all participants within 72 hours of intake including screening for serious personal safety and mental health issues.
5. Assist POH participants in completing designated assessments
6. Assist POH participants in developing a case plan with the participant based on the primary goals of household stability, increased income/financial resources and skills, and self-determination, which includes short-term and long-term goals with objectives. Update case plan as needed.
7. Schedule regular meeting times with participants to develop and review goals and objectives.
8. Conduct home visits as determined by the case plan, as appropriate.
9. Assist participants in making linkages and accessing appropriate community resources.
10. Provide advocacy services as needed, i.e., court involvement, property owner/tenant conflict resolution, etc.
11. Provide financial assistance in accordance with program policies and procedures.
12. Develop a discharge plan with participants addressing permanent housing stability (as needed), economic stability, emotional stability, and self-determination.
13. Assist participant to develop a crisis plan.
14. In SIMS, maintain case files for each participant that includes the assessment, case plan, documentation of progress, challenges, outcomes/accomplishments, discharge plan and summary, and documentation of all follow up contact.
15. In SIMS, maintain comprehensive and detailed case notes on all participants.
16. Secure from Corps Officer a pastoral care plan which could be shared with participants.
17. Prepare case records for proper storage after participant discharge and store according to established policies.
18. Ensure client confidentiality in accordance with established procedures and regulations.

Case Management Systems & Direct Assistance

1. Maintain comprehensive demographic data as required on all participants.
2. Submit monthly summary of service statistics to the Regional Coordinator.
3. Maintain accurate records of financial assistance provided to participants in their file and in The Salvation Army Information Management System (SIMS) within one week of service.
4. Complete other reports as requested.

Agency and Community Networking

1. Attend agency meetings as requested.
2. Attend POH Regional meetings with the Divisional Social Services Case Management Director (or designee), Regional Coordinator, and Pastoral Care Coordinator.
3. Meet with Regional Coordinator on a regular basis for individual consultation and case management supervision.
4. Attend supervisory and community meetings.
5. Maintain working relationships with community agencies to provide comprehensive services for participants and to stay abreast of current trends and resources available.
6. Provide guidance and support to community volunteers working with the program.
7. Represent the agency's purpose, philosophy, and function to the community.
8. Promote the spiritual dimension of Salvation Army social services programs, emphasizing the importance of Christian influence and evangelism in all Salvation Army ministries, including delivery of social services in contemporary settings.

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.
5. Maintain certifications that meet requirements for the food pantry.
6. Complete the territory's Caseworker Certification Program within 120 days (about 4 months) of your hire.

Other duties

1. As assigned by the Corps Officers.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Under general supervision of the Corps Officers who in collaboration with the Divisional Social Services assures that best practices are occurring in the worker's intervention with clients.

Substantial freedom is given to the Corps Officers to plan, schedule and carry out responsibilities within established policies and guidelines by the Division.

This position supervises the Emergency Assistance Caseworker.

This individual relates to, and interacts with, a wide range of contacts both within and outside The Salvation Army. In these contacts, this individual acts as a representative of the Army and its mission.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as the timeliness, accuracy and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in human service or education areas from an accredited college or university. Associates degree with extensive experience in strength-based case management may substitute for bachelor's degree as determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Minimum of one year of case management experience in a comparable social service or education program that offer multi-faceted case management interventions designed to address the needs of those who are vulnerable utilizing a strength-based approach.
• Fluent in Spanish. Professional written and verbal communication skills in Standard Spanish, concisely articulate information for application, presentation and public speaking preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Critical thinking, complex data analyses, 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, detail orientation, and strategies for CQI (Continuous Quality Improvement).
• Adaptable in culturally diverse environments, and respectful of cultural differences.
• Engage with others, form collaborative alliances, influence, motivate, manage change, and address barriers. Assess community needs, plan interventions, and participate in community leadership applying research-based practices.
• Budget forecasting, analysis of income, expenses, prior year actuals and variances, and establishment of annual budgets. Create and maintain a detailed budget planning tool with anticipated expenses.
• 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 Salvation Army's mission.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Corps Officers informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do moderate physical work and must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a 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.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

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 of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.