Family Services Case Manager SC/ South Orange County

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.

Position Summary

The Family Services Case Manager plays a key role in supporting low-income individuals and families in Orange County by providing emergency assistance, resources, referrals, and strengths-based case management in close collaboration with the assigned Corps based on location. This position involves conducting client intake, assessing eligibility for services, and coordinating access to essential needs and community resources, with a focus on compassion and confidentiality. Additionally, the Case Manager actively engages with local agencies and community partners to expand service offerings, maintains accurate records, and supports seasonal assistance programs, including events like Christmas toy distributions. This role requires adherence to Salvation Army policies and HIPAA standards, fostering a supportive environment for clients of all backgrounds.

Essential Functions

Client Services

• Interact with a diverse client demographic that includes factors such as homelessness, mental health needs, domestic violence, and other biopsychosocial factors.
• Conduct intake with clients seeking help from the Family Services office to determine eligibility for services.
• Provide financial or basic needs assistance to eligible clients; provide accurate referrals to community resources for those who do not qualify.
• Refer clients to community resources and TSA programs as appropriate and provide a warm handoff when possible.
• Conduct risk assessments and contact the appropriate mental health or protective agencies as necessary.
• Attend monthly community collaborative meetings to remain current on resources and opportunities available to clients and the community.
• Screen, enroll, and provide intensive case management for the Pathway of Hope program.
• Demonstrate sensitivity toward all clients, regardless of age, race, creed, sexual orientation, present living conditions, needs expressed, or nationality and documentation status.
• Maintain confidentiality of client interactions in keeping with the Salvation Army policy.

Administrative Duties

• Identify, source and collaborate with agencies, churches and other community partners to expand scope of operations in assigned service provider area (SPA).
• Follow all procedures as outlined by The Salvation Army as well as partner agencies.
• Document services in a prompt and thorough manner via the WellSky software.
• Monitor and maintain client records in keeping with Salvation Army and HIPPA standards, including computer and written files.
• Maintain accurate statistics for The Salvation Army and cooperative agencies, in keeping with any agreements made. Example: Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).
• Compile and complete monthly reports for DHQ and other contracts.
• Support Corps with food pantry operations.
• Organize, record and distribute donated goods as they are available.
• Cooperate with other Salvation Army employees and Advisory Council committees in formulating plans for future services needed in this area.
• Document all Pathway of Hope client interactions as required by initiative.

Seasonal Effort

• Assist with client intake for seasonal assistance programs (such as Christmas toy donations, Back-to-school, etc).
• Participate in event planning and administration including volunteer recruitment, set up/tear down.
• Organize and account for donations as directed. Compile and submit reports on donated goods.

Miscellaneous:

• Dress Code: Office attire is prescribed in the Employee Handbook as well as the Orange County addendum signed at hire.
• Hours: Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend hours for seasonal events. The office must be open in keeping with the current 211 listings. Hours worked may include community meetings.
• Communication: Meet weekly with supervisor to review goals, progress, and other items.
• Evaluation: Employees will be evaluated following the probationary period, job change, and annually.

PAY RATE: $23.00-$25.00/hr.

Working Conditions

The Case Manager will perform their duties in an office and food pantry setting. Moving, lifting, carrying and unpacking will be a regular function of the job. The ability to lift up to 30 lbs is required. Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, printer, fax, and telephone. Ability to operate Microsoft Office Suite.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking - Develop strategies to achieve organizational goals; adapt strategy to address constant change and conditions.
• Problem Solving - Identify & resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully and develop solutions.
• Oral Communication - Speak professionally, clearly, and persuasively in a variety of potentially challenging situations; seek clarification and respond appropriately to questions.
• Written Communication - Write clearly and informatively; edit work for spelling and grammar; Present numerical data accurately; Read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork - Balance team and individual responsibilities; Build a positive team spirit, morale, and group commitment to established goals, core values and objectives.
• Active Listening - Ability to focus completely on what the client is saying and not saying, to understand the meaning of what is said in the context of the client's desires and support the client self-expression.
• Adaptability and Flexibility - Ability to adapt successfully to changing situations and environments, able to keep calm and flexible during difficult and stressful situations.
• Time Management - Ability to prioritize responsibilities effectively, create and plan assigned tasks for sufficient deadlines, the ability to create to-do and checklists, set clearly defined goals, and sets good balance between work and family life.
• Cultural Competence - Ability to embrace and respect the diversity of each and every clients served.

Continuous Improvement/Organizational Effectiveness - Constantly look for ways to improve and promote quality, effectiveness, and efficiency at all operational levels.

Minimum Qualifications

• BSW or BA in Human Services or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of Case Management experience.
• Bilingual: Must read, write and communicate in English and a language relevant to Orange County demographic (Spanish, Vietnamese preferred)
• Must be in good physical health and mental health capable of meeting the demand of the position.
• Demonstrated understanding of The Salvation Army's Christian mission is required.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of Orange County Social Services.
• Excellent interpersonal and professional communication with clients, co-workers/volunteers, management, and community members.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and independent. The position will at times operate a site alone.
• Driving Test and clean MVR check (if applicable).
• If working in the area with children a criminal background check is required with certification for Protect the Mission policies and procedures.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.