Cape May County – Case Worker 1
The Case Worker 1 serves clients in need with care and dignity offering them the tools to be more independent moving forward. They work closely with the staff and Family and Community Center Regional Program Coordinator to assess the client's situation and determine the possible assistance that can be offered. They are involved in the day-to-day operations of the Family and Community Center located in Westville, NJ including answering the door, phones, and emails while ensuring an efficient and effective client experience. They will assist the supervisor as needed and participate in community events and meetings. The ideal candidate is calm, organized, caring, cooperative, flexible and a creative problem solver.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Reflects the mission and vision of Catholic Charities in every encounter with and on behalf of clients and staff
- Responds to clients' request for information and services in a timely, compassionate, and professional manner
- Speaks with or meets with requesting assistance to assess their needs, to determine if they can be assisted by services offered by Catholic Charities and/or for linkages to other community resources.
- Assesses clients' financial need, ability to follow through with a plan, and adequacy of client
documentation for particular funding requirements. Screens for possible presence of additional problem areas, such as substance abuse that could require additional assessment, referrals to other service providers, and follow up, and communicates this with Supervisor.
- Makes necessary contacts to verify client information. Maintains confidentiality of all client information and services provided at all times, in accordance with the policy of Catholic Charities and state and federal laws.
- Utilizes agency database to complete all client case notes in a timely and comprehensive manner
- Assists in the tracking and collection of client and statistical data utilizing Excel spreadsheets and Word reports
- Participates in staff meetings, department and agency-wide trainings, and represents Catholic Charities at regular monthly meetings with State and County partners, to report on activities and to advocate
for the needs and best interest of those facing homelessness
- When appropriate, collaborates with other staff and volunteers to order, stock, and distribute food, and completes reports related to food distribution
- Participates in the implementation and ongoing development and continuous improvement of the program.
- Assists to train and supervise program volunteers
- Ensures immediate and thorough communication to Regional Program Coordinator of program problems and provide recommended resolution to identified problem.
- Maintains a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that fosters good relationships with customers, clients, external colleagues and management.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities: May have oversight of program volunteers
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of entitlement programs and program regulations, federal, state and community resources and expertise in navigating these resources.
- Possess an understanding of the social issue impacting the poor in southern New Jersey
- Possess basic knowledge of existing social services programs in the community, and a thorough understanding of eligibility criteria or know how to obtain this information
- Possess strong interpersonal, time management and communication skills
- Ability to relate directly, but compassionately, with people in emergency situations
- Be sensitive to the needs of culturally and economically diverse populations
- Possess strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Working knowledge of office software, especially Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook
- Bilingual preferred (English w/Spanish)
- Ability to write clearly and proficiently for completion of documentation
Education and/or Experience:
A Bachelor's degree in social work or other relevant human services degree is preferred. In lieu of a degree, a high school diploma and 3 years' experience in other social services settings will be considered.
