Lead Caseworker (5315)

Job DetailsJob Location: NSC-Midlands Area Command - COLUMBIA, SC 29203Position Type: Full Time RegularEducation Level: Equivalent ExperienceSalary Range: $19.29 HourlyJob Shift: DayJob Category: Social ServicesJob Summary: Provide Trauma-Informed assistance that is client-centered to support individuals and families in need, helping them navigate challenging life circumstances. Interviews, accepts, and provides comprehensive, long-term, structured, complex, case management services for an assigned caseload of clients participating in programs such as Rapid Re-Housing, Homeless Prevention, Pathway of Hope, etc.; Understands the uniqueness of the client’s history in order to determine most effective program plans; develops comprehensive program plan/goals and evaluates client's progress by conducting mentoring and counseling sessions with client and/or staff; serves as advocate for client in order to acquire services that will enable them to functionally cope with their circumstances. Maintains awareness of contract requirements to ensures constant compliance with the requirements and goals of the program while ensuring accurate records and client progress is maintained. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with a commitment to serving diverse populations with dignity, respect, and empathy.  Essential Functions: This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. Case Management Responsibilities (60%) Interviews applicants to determine eligibility for program enrollment based on established guidelines and requirements; conduct needs assessment, obtains pertinent information and establish program goals for eligible clients; refers applicants to internal case management specialists, and/or other agencies if not appropriate for program. Develops client intake for clients; instructs clients in completing necessary paperwork including goals and/or budget forms; completes orientation check-off form and obtains release of information forms when appropriate. Manages the client assistance pipeline from injury to completion, including reviewing assistance applications, determining initial program appropriateness, and referral sources. Monitors program compliance and client support by providing guidance, as needed, to Case Workers. Meets regularly with clients to discuss and evaluate their progress; prepares accurate and up-to-date records documenting the same; monitors client behavior, group attendance, and movement; receives incident reports and enforces disciplinary actions for infractions of the emergency day shelter. Plans, coordinates, and/or facilitates life management classes to assist clients in obtaining skills that will enable them to functionally cope with their environment; obtains speakers and workshop presenters as needed. Consistently serves as a mentor and provides positive examples of proper hygiene, personal appearance,  records retention, budget planning, scheduling, etc. Refers clients to appropriate programs or other agencies based on clients needs and in accordance with their program plan. Completes discharge plans of clients exiting the program; transfers file contents to non-active file. Attends community meetings with representatives of other agencies in order to educate them about the program; makes client referrals and maintain awareness of client's progress. Counsels clients and their children (occasionally under emergency or stressful situations); determines appropriate, placement and/or referrals to other agencies. Plans, coordinates, and facilitates group and individual crisis intervention counseling sessions; plans group activities and focus; provides group participants with information offered by other community services; provides individual crisis counseling as needed; publicizes availability of group sessions; performs community education speeches. Counsels clients and anonymous callers by telephone in emergency situations; provides information and referrals to appropriate community agencies. Serves as liaison and/or client advocate with schools, legal, social, welfare, public safety and medical agencies.  Social Services Responsibilities (20%) Greets and interviews clients requesting assistance 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 Family Store or Food Pantry for assistance. Administrative Responsibilities (20%) Oversees the quality of databases, such as HMIS, for completeness, accuracy, compliance, and reporting. Prepares and maintains case records and logs on all assigned clients; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same. Prepares and maintains client files documenting pertinent client information; prepares and maintains records of clients’ progress in files; completes assessment forms, monthly client statistics and progress notes; enters pertinent information into the established Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Compiles data/statistics for organizational tracking and grant reporting. Provides support, as needed, for composing, implementing, and reporting on grants or other funding requirements. Other Responsibilities: Assists with community service workers as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. Materials and Equipment: Personal Computer General Office Equipment  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of effective and efficient methods for organizing and maintaining records and ability to perform the same. Knowledge of the principles and practices of social service case management. Skill in Microsoft Word and Excel applications with the ability to effectively create and maintain Spreadsheets. Ability to interview clients in order to evaluate and serve their needs. Ability to determine client eligibility for program assistance based on specific program guidelines and restrictions. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with the public and community agencies. Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of people and remain sensitive to their concerns. Ability to present a positive and professional image of The Salvation Army. Ability to meet attendance requirements. Ability to read, write and communicate the English language effectively. Ability to perform mathematical calculations. Ability to type and keypunch information into a computer. Ability to sort and file documents alphabetically and numerically. Ability to effectively and efficiently work on multiple cases at the same time without becoming frustrated or disorganized. Ability to operate various general office equipment including a telephone, computer and adding machine. Duties are usually performed seated. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking. Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.).  Working Conditions: 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. Work may require driving a vehicle where there may be discomforts associated with heavy traffic or changes in weather.   QualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Education and Experience: Associate degree or 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 case management experience, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.  Certifications: None Physical Requirements: