Part Time Social Worker (Gary/ Merrillville)

The Salvation Army 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.

Salary Range Starting At: $15.50/ per hour

Job Description:

As the Social Worker you will provide compassionate case management and emergency assistance to individuals and families in crisis, ensuring that the Mission of The Salvation Army is effectively carried out.

What You Will Do:

• Interview clients to determine need
• Assess eligibility for emergency assistance and Pathway of Hope services
• Develop individualized client assistance plans
• Provide referrals to appropriate community agencies and resources, connect with community organizations to form relationships
• Maintain confidentiality of all client records and information
• Lead and maintain the Corps Emergency Food Pantry
• Conduct outreach feeding programs for community members in need
• Support Angel Tree, Christmas and Back-to-School programs
• Create and update client files in the SIMS database in an effective and timely manner
• Collaborate with Pathway of Hope caseworkers for coordinated care
• Monitor and document client progress and outcomes in Pathway of Hope program
• Other tasks as assigned by leadership

Minimum Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal education, experience, skills, and/or abilities required for this position.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field (preferred); or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Background Checks: Position requires a background check to be completed, and all background check results will be reviewed.

Experience: Minimum of one year experience in case management, client assistance, or social services; familiarity with food pantry operations and emergency assistance preferred.

Certifications: Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain The Salvation Army Driver’s qualification standard; must complete Safe From Harm training within the first 90 days of employment. Must complete Caseworker Certification Program within 120 days of employment

Skills/Abilities: 

• Able to speak, write and understand English in a manner sufficient for effective communication with leadership, field personnel, and clientele.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft products and ability to learn electronic reporting systems.
• Cultural sensitivity with an interest in providing direct services to persons of various ethnic, racial, religious, and social backgrounds.
• Friendly with excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, using diplomacy and good judgment. Being able to work as a team.
• A love for and desire to serve others, especially disenfranchised individuals, families and the local community through the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Integrity with the ability to work with confidential material.
• Problem solving skills including Assessment, Service Planning, Material Assistance, Resource Development and Networking, Referral and Linkage, Follow-up and Documentation.
• Time management skills with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and use initiative.
• Capacity to collaborate with Corps, Family & Community Services and Emergency Disaster Services.
• A strong commitment to promote and uphold the mission of The Salvation Army and an appreciation for faith-based service organizations.
• Able to work with other agencies to refer clients to with in the community.

Supervisory Responsibility: Supervising volunteers

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job. 

Physical Requirements Include:

• Good speaking, hearing and vision ability, and excellent manual dexterity
• Lifting, pulling, and pushing of materials up to 25 pounds
• May require bending, squatting, walking.
• May require standing for extended

Travel: Position will require occasional travel for training and/or pick-up and delivery of essential business items.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in a office, church environment; may require some weekend and evening work

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the position. Other job-related responsibilities and tasks may be assigned.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Qualifications

Why Work with Us?

If you’re ready for a career doing meaningful work with a discernable impact, keep reading. The Salvation Army’s brand promise is to Do the Most Good® - and it’s our employees that help us get there. At every level and in every discipline, you can have a real impact on your community through the work done inside our walls every day. If you work for us, you will be the hands and feet that enable us to help others.

We are as impassioned about our employees as we are about our mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and help anyone in need in His name without discrimination. Our work culture reflects this quality, which makes our offices seriously great places to work. Just walk inside our doors and you’ll quickly see that our employees are proud to support programs that make a difference.

In addition to traditional Health, Wellness, RX and PTO benefits, see what our employees told us they most liked about working for the Indiana Division of TSA by responding to our most recent 2023 survey…

• 91% are proud of their work to help meet the needs of people in their communities
• 75% find their “Work Stress” manageable
• 80% find their managers supportive during those times of stress
• 89% appreciate the flexible work options they have in their position
• 98% appreciate how they are allowed to use 4 sicks days as “Discretionary”
• 99% appreciate the 11 paid holidays they receive each year

See what our employees said when asked to rank the best reasons for working at the Indiana Division Salvation Army…

1. Helping People
2. Faith Centered Organization
3. Work Environment/ Co-Workers
4. Benefits