Christian Neighbors (CN) has provided critical services to Plainwell, Otsego, Martin, and surrounding communities since 1983. Our mission is to provide a safe place for people in our community who need food, rent and utility assistance, education, or other resources to help create stability in their lives. Summary With a caring heart for the CN mission, this position involves interviewing clients to assess their needs, provide emergency financial assistance, provide extensive case management services, and guide them toward appropriate resources including our Education Resource Center (ERC) classes/programs, or other relevant community and county services to promote greater self-sufficiency. Responsibilities also include maintaining accurate client records in the database and providing ongoing case management to high-needs clients. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Case Management

• Interview food pantry clients and assess eligibility for other additional internal services such as housing, utilities, and/or medical financial assistance; make appropriate referrals.
• Assess client needs and identify additional unmet needs, such as lack of

SNAP/WIC

benefits, budgeting, medical insurance, etc.

• Serve as the Case Manager during drive-thru pantry service times on Mondays (10am-12pm and 4pm-6pm)
• Train with the Senior Financial Case Manager to learn how to allocate for emergency financial assistance.
• Proactively refer clients to ERC classes and services.
• Provide ongoing case management and maintain accurate client files by following up with clients to provide timely information updates and determine continued need for assistance, until the need is met, or the case is closed.
• Monitor and maintain accurate and complete case records in the database for all clients interviewed and/or served. This includes supporting documentation and notes regarding applicant identification, income, DHHS decision notice, etc. Regularly update client case notes and maintain statistical data.
• Develop a tracking system for senior clients and veterans to monitor their progress and provide more targeted case management. Create a reporting process and provide quarterly updates.
• Refer and connect clients to other community or county services as appropriate, such as MI Works, MI Bridges Navigator (HHS) or state of emergency release.
• Support seniors with Medicare questions and issues and maintain Medicare SHIP Certification
• Partner with Program Director and other Case Managers to develop and maintain a referral process.
• Provide interventions to guide applicants towards greater self-sufficiency including information on other food pantries, education and financial literacy interventions. Work with clients on budgeting and financial skills to support stabilization for households
• Maintain accurate spreadsheets that track other data points not captured in the database.
• Attend Case Management Collaboration meetings. External Relationships and Resources
• Network with other service providers to maintain awareness of and coordinate services provided by other local social service agencies for the benefit of the client's immediate or additional needs.
• Advocate for resources and assistance for clients and educate the community and stakeholders to bring awareness to issues.
• Maintain current DHHS Navigator certification or obtain certification if not already held. Maintain current SHIP certification or obtain certification if not already held. Other
• Assist with planning of and then attend client outreach events.
• Partner with staff to answer the main CN phone and the front door to greet visitors and accept deliveries.
• Create and send client newsletters. Submit client stories and testimonials for organization marketing materials and grants, when asked.
• Gain knowledge and understanding of CN's services and programs, support and participate in CN's programs and events, and assist with pantry deliveries when needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of all CN's clients, information, and resources, and follow all CN policies and procedures.
• Model professional and responsible behavior, adhering to professional ethics and client boundaries.
• Work collaboratively with the team, supporting each other to fulfill CN's mission.
• Attend and actively participate in all staff and other required meetings.
• Understand and embrace the community we serve with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Seek and participate in ongoing education to expand knowledge and utilize skills to continually improve.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager or the Executive Director (ED).

Note:

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities that are required for this job. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. Education and Experience Requirements

• Associate's degree is required with 2 years of social service case management experience; or a minimum of 4 years of social service case management experience is required in lieu of an associate's degree.
• Bachelor's degree is preferred in social services or related field.
• Experience working with ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) individuals, low-income, and marginalized populations is preferred.
• Non-profit experience is a plus. Skills and other Competencies
• A heart for the mission with an understanding and ability to embrace the community we serve.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills who can build and maintain relationships with the team, clients, volunteers, partners, etc.
• Strong attention to detail to maintain accurate client case notes.
• Solid technical skills in Microsoft programs with the aptitude to learn new systems as needed.
• Take initiative, be organized and flexible to adapt to CN's changing needs.
• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively with the team and diverse groups of people.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus. Other Requirements
• Must pass background check.
• Must have reliable transportation. Physical Requirements These work environment characteristics are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Regular standing, walking, crouching, bending, pushing, or pulling with ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work proficiently with computers and other office equipment and to use fine motor hand skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English. Pay and Benefits
• Starting at $22/hr.
• 3 weeks of paid time off, based on hours worked
• Additional paid vacation week for all employees from December 24 through January 1, plus additional paid holidays. (all pro-rated)
• Eligibility for Simple Plan Retirement Program and CN will match up to 3% of your contribution.

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

From $22.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person