Disaster Case Manager

Job Description:  Disaster Case Manager

Reports to: Disaster Case Management Supervisor, Program Manager

Status: Full-time Exempt  Grant Funded. Work is in the Carroll , Humphreys, Monroe , Montgomery, Panola, Sharkey counties. 

BACKGROUND

Disaster Case Management is a time-limited process by which a skilled associate (Disaster Case Manager) partners with a disaster-affected individual or family (Survivor) in order to plan for and achieve realistic goals for recovery following a disaster. This comprehensive and holistic Disaster Case Management approach to recovery extends beyond providing relief, providing a service, or meeting urgent needs.

ROLE OF THE CASE MANAGER:

The Disaster Case Manager serves as a primary point of contact, assisting the Survivor in coordinating necessary services and resources to address the Survivor’s complex disaster recovery needs in order to re-establish normalcy. The Disaster Case Manager relies on the Survivor to play an active or lead role in his or her own recovery. The Disaster Case Manager reports to a DCM Supervisor.   

Essential Job Requirements:

• completion of a disaster recovery case management-specific curriculum;
• current background check and negative drug test, as required
• able to maintain ethical conduct in accordance with organizational policy;
• conduct business in a manner consistent with the mission, values, and policies of the organization;
• able to maintain high standards for protecting client information, and sharing confidential information, including financial information, only as agreed upon by the client and as evidenced by a signed release form;
• must be able to multi-task and effectively accept change in routine
• must be able to work in a potentially high-stress environment and,
• able to work calmly and effectively to resolve conflicts in sensitive situations; able to work collaboratively with others;
• computer literate, able to utilize word processing, database, and spreadsheet software and demonstrate the ability to learn new and/or customized software;
• possess excellent communication skills both written and verbal;
• have a valid driver’s license and a registered, insured and reliable vehicle to be able to drive long distances in all areas within the service area;
• be organized and prepared for meetings, briefings, and conversations with clients, staff, and external partners;
• able to work without close supervision on assigned duties, and be willing to seek and accept supervision as needed;
• possess no outside business interest that may conflict with the organization’s goals and objectives;
• not be employed by another agency conducting DCM activities under this FEMA program;
• demonstrate helpful inter-personal skills, such as:
• genuine care and respect for individuals, families, and communities served;
• effective listening and interviewing skills; 
• cultural and linguistic competence relative to the population served;
• ability to recognize and draw upon Survivor strengths;
• sensitivity to the needs of individuals and families in crisis;
• awareness of the impact of the disaster on the community, the family, and the individual;
• interest in exploring options with clients, with respect for their autonomy;
• ability to maintain appropriate service boundaries; and
• self-awareness;
• other duties as may be assigned that are outside the scope of this job description.
• mandatory monthly mileage reporting

Essential Functions:

• Perform outreach to identify vulnerable persons in need of services and referrals.
• Screen applicants promptly and responsively to identify urgency of need and direct individuals to appropriate services, providing accurate and timely information and referral.
• Perform intake interviews via phone and/or in person, linking survivors to resources for urgent needs.
• Conduct comprehensive, individualized, strengths-based, and culturally-responsive assessments of each Survivors’ disaster recovery needs and available resources.
• Engage each Survivor to cooperatively participate in the development, implementation, and ongoing review of an individualized disaster recovery plan
• Empower the disaster survivor to effectively access the resources available in accordance with the sequence of assistance for disaster recovery
• Provide, refer, or otherwise arrange for individuals and families to receive needed services and resources identified in the recovery plan through the following actions:
  • assist in the restoration of pre-disaster social service benefits for qualified individuals;
• verify unmet needs by obtaining records and/or contacting vendors;
• network with other organizations to guide clients through sequence of delivery without duplication of benefits or services;
• advocate with and for Survivors by activities including but not limited to:
  • preparing for and making case presentations on behalf of Survivor to Long Term Recovery Groups;
  • actively participating in long-term recovery groups where such exists; and
  • providing support and advocacy with governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations when necessary
• Monitor Survivor progress toward recovery goals,
• Document using standardized forms and enter relevant information into the Survivor registry (database or DART) in a timely manner.
• Case notes must be entered within 24 hours of any client contact or attempted contact.
• Provide continuity of client services through case transfer or case closure.

Working Conditions:

The position is hybrid, in-person, and remote work. The expectation is that most work will be conducted in-person and requires visits with Survivors or in-office work. Other hours (up to 40 hours) can be worked remotely. The schedule will be set by the DSC Management.

Monthly mileage reports are required using the method provided by DSC SVDP.

To comply with regulations by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the principal duties in job descriptions must be essential to the job. To identify essential functions, focus on the purpose and the result of the duties rather than the manner in which they are performed. The following definition applies: a job function is essential if removal of that function would fundamentally change the job

Benefits include employer-paid medical-dental-vision-LTD-Life insurance for the employee, Prescription drug program, dependent insurance available at employee's expense, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, retirement plan available, 6% employer retirement contribution after 1 year continuous employee 1000 hours worked. 

Disaster Services Corp SVDP USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We don’t discriminate. Ever. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. If you are smart and good at what you do, come as you are.  The rest doesn’t matter.