Case Manager

LOCATION/DEPT: Evangeline Booth Lodge REPORTS TO: Social Service Manager FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt STATUS TYPE: RFT

PAY GRADE: 202 PAY RANGE: $17.05 - $20.40 DEPARTMENT MISSION To support the full mission of The Salvation Army by providing compassionate, professional service to the families residing at the Lodge and in the community in a team-focused manner with the entire Lodge staff. OUTCOMES Information is processed and managed in a way that complies with policy, procedure, and mandate. This will include that information is processed in a timely manner, required data is effectively input, appropriate documents are forwarded/executed, information is processed and maintained according to industry standards and requests for information are efficiently managed for the Metropolitan Division. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Case Management Contribute to the prevention of homelessness by providing housing information, advice and assistance to homeless families. Collaborate with clients in the formulation of a comprehensive case plan. Case plan may include but is not limited to the following focus areas: budgeting, housing, the need for medical, mental health, substance abuse intervention, special needs of children, problem solving, family life, child safety, vocational training, job opportunities, education and/or domestic violence services. Conduct weekly case plan meetings with clients for the purpose of assessing progress, revising goals, and providing support to assist clients in transition in/out of program. Provide outreach, counseling, advocacy, referral, and other supportive services that fall within the State of IL National Association of Social Worker's standards for appropriate social work intervention and ethical treatment of clients. Conduct a federal and/or state and local background check adult clients who enter the program. Conduct a Real Benefits screen to determine initial eligibility for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Work in conjunction with the Intake Specialist to assess client participation in TANF services. Generate and/or maintain written and computerized records pertaining to service delivery to include, but not limited to case notes, HMIS reporting, Supportive Housing Program reports, monthly program reports, incident reports, letters, consents, education/medical/mental health reports, substance abuse assessments, discharge reports, housing reports, etc., in accordance with standards for file retention and case file maintenance. Monitor and encourage program compliance, move clients toward permanent housing, and make recommendations for involuntary departure when warranted. Determine appropriateness and facilitate receipt of financial assistance, transportation, and clothing/housewares assistance to clients. Keep abreast and utilize federal/state/local housing resources available to assist families with monetary resources to move into permanent housing. Adhere to IL Department of Children & Family Services for mandated reporting. Resource Connection Work cooperatively with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Homeless Program or other school entity to ensure appropriate provision of educational services to school-age children and adolescents. Facilitate and/or prepare Heartland Health Outreach Enrollment forms to link clients to health services. Recommend and facilitate linkage to CPS Office of Specialized Services for the purpose of developmental screening and evaluation where warranted. Identify service options available to clients, provide information, generate appropriate referrals, effect linkages to community resources, and advocate for client participation. Contribute to the provision of housing information and advice by sharing with clients and professional staff. Establish links with landlords and local/state housing programs in order to identify housing accommodations. Administration Participate in agency and community forums/training in providing homeless and shelter care services. Attend agency and/or team meetings and work collaboratively with agency and community professional staff. Participate in staff appraisal system, individual supervision sessions, and assist in the training of new staff and interns. All other duties as assigned. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS This position reports to the Social Service Manager. In contacts related to this position's duties, this individual acts as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission. PERFORMANCE MEASURMENTS 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. This individual relates to, and interacts with, a wide range of contacts both within and outside the Salvation Army. In these contacts they act as a representative of the Army and its mission. EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, or other related discipline and one year of case management experience preferred; at least five years of experience working with the homeless as a case manager and a High School Diploma required. Prior experience working with the homeless population or in a residential, rehabilitation or shelter care setting preferred. COMPETENCIES Willing to support the mission of The Salvation Army and an appreciation of faith-based service organizations. An interpersonal style that is service oriented and supportive of the other departments in the facility and an ability to work individuals with public sector housing or large organization Ability to maintain ongoing communication with participants and with referring partners by demonstrating excellent verbal and written communication skills and follow-up. An excellent attention to detail, procedures, processes, and policies. Ability to manage projects to completion, prioritize work flow to include maintaining documentation standards, provide quality service delivery. Ability to assess the needs of the homeless, utilize effective case management strategies to engage participants, foster cooperative working relationships with clients, empower clients to meet case plan goals, and implement case management practices to achieve agency goals and objectives. Provide information, advice, and assistance to clients regarding the range of housing options to include private, subsidized opportunities, home ownership and public housing. Ability to demonstrate negotiation and problem solving to effectively deal with complex problems and achieve effective solutions. Ability to interpret and follow procedures/guidelines and meet performance targets to comply with casework standards. Ability to work on own initiative, as part of a team, and participate in agency/local-sponsored events with participants and professional staff. Ability to be self-motivated in a challenging work environment and to work with sensitive and confidential information. Ability to advocate on behalf of the homeless population and homeless individuals engaged in program services. A good working knowledge of the dynamics of serving the homeless to include the social and economic factors that impact homeless populations and how to apply ethical practices to empower clients to self-advocate, attain housing and economic goals, and sustain permanent housing. A good working knowledge of state and community resources available to persons who are homeless that may be used to address their mental, medical, substance abuse, nutritional, financial, employment, child care, and educational needs. A working knowledge of housing needs and housing programs on the state and local levels to include the processes required to apply, enroll, and participate in services. Keep abreast of current welfare rights and associated legislation. Knowledge of basic budgeting principles, and public services offered to aid in the acquisition of public benefits where applicable. Knowledge of state established child welfare policies to identify and/or report suspected or known acts of child abuse and/or neglect. POSITION LIMITATIONS This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved. This individual will keep the Social Service Manager and Director informed on all critical issues relating to his/her area of responsibility. This individual will adhere to all Army policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT This position is required to do light physical work. In order 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 is a residential environment with a low to moderate noise level. Must be able to work with clients that have poor social skills, suffer from mental illness, and have substance abuse problems. 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.