Zakat Case Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role 

Valley Ranch Islamic Center (VRIC) provides confidential, dignified Zakat assistance to families facing hardship - including help with food, rent, utilities, and transportation for work. The Case Manager is the heart of that work: the single point of intake, the first voice a family in difficulty hears, and the person who makes sure every request gets a fair, prompt, and documented answer. This role suits a highly organized professional who pairs a warm, empathetic manner with disciplined follow-through.

What You'll Do

• Intake & Communication: Process and respond to every request within 2 business days (24-48 hours for emergencies). Assist applicants in completing forms via phone or in person when needed.
• Evaluation: Screen requests against VRIC's written rules and rubrics; respectfully verify documentation in proportion to the request.
• Case Presentation: Prepare and present cases for approval. Route small requests through quick committee channels and write executive summaries for larger ones. (Note: No single individual at VRIC approves assistance alone.)
• Client Relations: Communicate decisions to applicants privately and compassionately, providing clear reasoning and alternative referral options if a request is denied.
• Fund Disbursement: Coordinate direct payments to landlords, utility companies, and service providers. Work closely with the Board of Directors Treasurer, including managing the emergency gift-card fund.
• Partnership Management: Serve as the primary liaison for partner referrals. Track incoming/outgoing referrals, collect partner reports, and conduct 30-day follow-ups.
• Record Keeping: Maintain meticulous, secure case files and logs. Prepare quarterly summary reports in collaboration with the Committee Chair.
• Resource Development: Develop and maintain VRIC's community resource directory, including contacts at neighboring Masajid and specialized social service organizations.

What We're Looking For

• Required Experience: Previous experience in case management, social services, or community assistance (paid or substantial volunteer work).
• Required Skills: Outstanding record-keeping habits, strict adherence to confidentiality, and cultural fluency with the diverse community VRIC serves. Ability to establish healthy professional boundaries and navigate crisis situations with emotional intelligence.
• Technical Proficiency: Comfort with Google Workspace/Microsoft Office (especially Excel/Sheets) and online intake forms.
• Zakat Knowledge: Familiarity with the Islamic principles of Zakat and Sadaqah.
• Preferred Qualifications: A degree in Social Work or a related field (BSW/MSW welcome, including current graduate students). Proficiency in a second community language (Urdu, Arabic, Bengali, Somali, Spanish, etc.). Familiarity with DFW-area social assistance resources.
• Non-Negotiable: The hired candidate must sign a strict confidentiality acknowledgment, pass a comprehensive background check, and securely hold sensitive community information without exception—including maintaining discretion with friends, family, and masjid leadership outside the official review process.

Why It Matters Asking for help is one of the hardest things a person can do. The Case Manager is the reason a family in crisis meets structure instead of chaos - and dignity instead of exposure. This role carries immense trust, immense reward, and the visible backing of VRIC's leadership.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to work in a standard office environment, which includes sitting for extended periods, using a computer, and communicating effectively via phone and in-person.

Employment at VRIC is on an at-will basis. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. VRIC is not able to provide visa sponsorship at this time.

Valley Ranch Islamic Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, strictly prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, or disability.