Direct Assistance Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY: Assumes primary responsibility for coordinating the regional direct assistance program that serves individuals and families with a variety of services such as emergency food, financial, holiday, and burial assistance; manages a caseload of persons served through the regional direct assistance program; and, employs case coordination procedures and principles to assist participants in improving their economic situation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Coordinates the weekly food pantry operation by organizing volunteers, food collections/donations and distribution process.
2. Conducts participant intake and assessments to determine eligibility for emergency financial assistance and/or burial assistance.
3. Coordinates the holiday assistance outreach program.
4. Provides services to parishes as determined by region.
5. Provides information and referral, advocacy and support services and case coordination to participants.
6. Completes monthly reports for all required entities.
7. Maintains and keeps current all participant records.
8. Maintains participant data in the agency Client Management Information System (CMIS).
9. Identifies, documents, and reports creative ways to address barriers to participant well-being
10. Collaborates with agency direct assistance staff in other regions.
11. Develops and facilitates collaborations with schools, parishes, community networks, and other partners.
12. Participates in agency trainings, staff meetings and events.
13. Keeps current with emerging trends, research and avenues to address issues of poverty and service provision by participating in community collaborations, meetings and conferences.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Participates in staff meetings, staff training and development activities.
2. Prepares and/or maintains a desk manual.
3. Performs other duties as required.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
1. Four year degree preferred. One year of relevant job experience is required. Equivalent combination of education and experience in case coordination will be considered.
2. Must have intermediate computer and technology skills.
3. Skill required to: participate in program planning and organization; work and communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, service participants, and the public; promote Agency programs and provide public relations; participate in peer review; prepare correspondence, records and reports; and, transport participants to perform the essential functions of the position.
4. Position requires fluency in the English language (reading, writing and speaking). Additional language fluency requirements may vary according to regional office needs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Responsibilities of the Direct Assistance Coordinator involve travel, and work beyond the regularly scheduled workday. Weekend work and weekend travel may be required.