Community Service Worker

Description

Under the direct supervision of the Lead Community Service Worker/Housing Counselor, the Community Service Worker provides delivery of Emergency Assistance, Food Pantry, seasonal programs, and support for agency services.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Interviews applicants to determine their needs and eligibility for emergency services, food, and other special or seasonal programs as available. Treats all families and individuals courteously and with dignity and respect. Observes and follows established intake, and application procedures.
2. Provides service assistance for emergency needs, makes referrals to appropriate NRCA programs, other agencies, and organizations. Assists participants to obtain services, and provides follow up with participants as needed.
3. Maintains familiarity with and follows guidelines of funding sources and approved Emergency Assistance Policy and Procedures. Advises supervisor of recommended changes.
4. Maintains positive relationships with local agencies in the area. Works cooperatively with other agencies/ community groups to ensure service coordination.
5. Enters client data into the database at the point of intake. Updates information regarding each family and individual as changes occur.
6. Under the direction of their supervisor, responsible for maintaining and distributing food, and household products as available.
7. Maintains accurate files and records on participants and services provided, and follows record retention policy. Ensures confidentiality of client records and information
8. Outreaches for participants for NRCA and other social service programs as appropriate.
9. Submits all documents and reports according to established timelines.
10. Alerts supervisor of day-to-day office concerns including space and equipment needs.
11. Participates in agency activities, fundraising, special activities and events as directed by supervisor.
12. Provides public education and serves as an advocate for NRCA programs, low-income people and issues related to poverty. Professionally represents NRCA in the community.
13. Identifies needs through regular contact with individuals, community groups, and funding sources in the area.
14. Recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers to provide needed program services; supervises interns and work placements if directed by supervisor.
15. Attends meetings and serve on boards and committees as directed by the supervisor.
16. Performs basic office tasks that include filing, typing, collating, copying, and telephone answering. Keeps files up to date, including shredding files older than 5 years. Uses the computer for email, word processing, and web-based client database. Works within required state and federal guidelines; follows agency policies/procedures in all areas.
17. Participates fully in staff meetings and training experiences as deemed necessary by supervisor.
18. Personally reports to Department of Social Services all suspected child, aged or incapacitated adult abuse and neglect as required by law and documents accordingly. The Commonwealth of Virginia mandates the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect within 24 hours to the local DSS. Informs supervisor of all reports to Department of Social Services.
19. Performs all other duties that advance the philosophy and goals of NRCA as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Requirements

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

Must maintain regular attendance and perform job duties and responsibilities in a satisfactory manner. Notifies supervisor by 7:30 am if unable to report to work.

Excellent communication skills required.

Must be knowledgeable regarding issues related to poverty.

Capacity to problem solve, handle crises with people of various cultures from low-income backgrounds. Must be capable of exercising good judgment in dealing with clients.

Willingness and ability to utilizea computer in managing client data to meet essential job requirements.

Approach to working with families that is empathic, nonjudgmental, respectful, and professional.

Ability to occasionally lift boxes of food, supplies, etc. of various weights required.

Prior to employment, the applicant must sign authorizations for NRCA to perform DMV and Criminal Record Checks to demonstrate that a satisfactory driving record and no pending or founded charges or convictions related to abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of children or adults (or other felony or misdemeanor charges which would conflict with the mission and philosophy of the agency).

Must possess valid driver's license and safe driving record. Occasionally, must be able to drive up to 4 hours per day, but may be required to drive more than 4 hours in a given day. Some night/overnight driving may be required for a night or out of town training or meetings.

If an agency vehicle is unavailable, must have a vehicle with valid inspection and insurance meeting minimum state requirements available for transporting clients within the New River Valley, and in pre-approved cases outside the New River Valley. Mileage reimbursed by NRCA.

Education and Experience Requirements

Associate’s degree in Human Services or a related field

Classification

Wage, non-exempt position. This position may be a full-time or part-time position as determined by agency management.

NRCA conducts pre-employment criminal backgrounds and driving record checks. Possession of a valid driver's license and a good driving record is required. Pre-employment drug testing is also required.

Application Deadline: February 29, at 5:00 PM or until the position is filled. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. EEO/AA