Case Worker 1
Family Service Center - Gloucester County/Westville, NJ
SUMMARY:
The Case Worker is responsible for assisting individuals and families experiencing financial hardships to return to, or achieve for the first time, financial self-sufficiency. By using a trauma- informed approach, and by respecting the dignity of the human person, it is the responsibility of the Case Worker to empower clients by utilizing strength-based interviewing and assessment, while assisting clients to resolve financial challenges. Further, the Case Worker will assist clients in developing appropriate goals and will provide information about available resource to help move the client towards their goals. The Case Worker will also assist with the collection of data that will help inform future services.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct thorough bio-psycho-social assessments so as to be able to determine the nature of a client's financial situation as well as the underlying issues in order to begin
- the service planning process
- Interview identified clients to assess need for emergency services, and current need for linkages to other community resources
- Provide education, information, and referral to insure successful connection with other appropriate community resources or public entitlement programs
- Obtain and record client data in computer database and client record
- ounsel and motivate client through the community resource linkage process
- Complete all paperwork and reports in a timely manner as required by supervisors and funding sources
- Participate in assigned meetings and trainings as related to the program
- Participate in the implementation and on-going development of the program
- Ensure immediate and thorough communication to program supervisor about any problems or concerns, and provide recommended resolution to the identified issue
- Maintain a positive atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that fosters good working relationship with customers, clients, co-workers, external colleagues, and management
- Perform other duties as assigned
The above-listed statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of performance expected in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or skills required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: May have minimal oversight of volunteers
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Two years of college study in a human services field is preferred; work experience can be substituted for this requirement.
- Knowledge of entitlement program regulations, federal, state, and community resources, and experience in navigating these resources
- Commitment to the mission of Catholic Charities
- Have some familiarity with the social issues impacting the poor of southern New Jersey
- Have some knowledge of basic social services programs
- Be patient and compassionate and be able to communicate these qualities to clients
- Be sensitive to the needs of culturally and economically diverse populations
- Possess good de-escalation and negotiation skills
- Be able to work well in a quick-paced and dynamic environment
- Have good reasoning and decision-making skills
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree in human services field is preferred
- Two years of work experience in a human service field can be substituted for degree
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
- Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish)
- Excellent oral communication skills required
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
- Sufficient to complete statistical reports and check requests accurately.
REASONING ABILITY:
- Ability to operate in multiple agency and community-based work sites and make rapid assessments with a moderate about of supervision
- Must possess strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to rapidly identify potential for physical danger and develop a personal safety plan
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
NJ Certified Social Work desirable
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Sufficient mobility to move among work sites and access non-ground level sites
- Sufficient dexterity to complete necessary documentation and reports
- Personal transportation required
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Contact with diverse clients and families in a wide variety of settings
- Community outreach and home visits may be required
- Subject to varying and unexpected situations, crises, and emergencies
Please submit a Statement of Interest with your resume to hr@camdendiocese.org