Social Services Case Worker
Reports to: Program ManagerDirect Reports: NoneLocation: Pine City, MNSchedule: Monday–Friday, daytime schedule, with occasional evenings, weekends, or community meetings as neededWage Range: $23.00–$29.00 per hour, DOQ
Position Summary
A Place For You provides emergency shelter, outreach, and resource connections for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in East Central Minnesota.
The Social Services Case Worker provides individualized case planning, case management, advocacy, resource navigation, and service coordination for shelter residents and outreach clients. The position works with individuals to identify strengths, needs, barriers, and goals and assists clients in developing and working toward individualized plans for housing stability, income, employment, health, and other areas of personal stability.
The Social Services Case Worker assists clients in navigating housing programs, public benefits, employment resources, healthcare, disability services, mental health services, and other community resources. A significant responsibility of the position is coordinating and administering day-to-day functions of the shelter's Housing Support program, including applications, documentation, follow-up, communication with county workers, and assistance to eligible clients.
The position works closely with in-shelter mental health services and other behavioral health and community providers to support coordinated, client-centered service planning. The Social Services Case Worker may also work with landlords, housing providers, county workers, healthcare professionals, employment providers, and other community partners to help clients access resources and address barriers to stability.
The position requires strong communication, organization, advocacy, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills. The Social Services Case Worker must be able to navigate complex systems, maintain appropriate professional boundaries, document services accurately, and work independently while collaborating closely with shelter staff and community partners.
The work of the Social Services Case Worker is responsive to the needs of clients and the shelter. Work priorities and tasks may vary based on immediate client needs, shelter operations, program requirements, staffing, community resources, and other organizational needs.
Key ResponsibilitiesCase Planning & Client Support
- Provide individualized case management and case planning to assigned shelter residents and outreach clients.
- Complete assessments and identify client strengths, needs, barriers, and available resources.
- Develop individualized service plans and goals in collaboration with clients.
- Conduct regular client meetings and follow up on progress toward identified goals.
- Assist clients in identifying practical solutions to barriers affecting housing, employment, income, health, and stability.
- Monitor progress and adjust service plans as client circumstances and goals change.
- Provide ongoing support, advocacy, problem-solving, and resource navigation.
- Assist clients in developing skills and connections that support increased stability and independence.
- Coordinate referrals and services based on individual client needs.
- Facilitate warm handoffs to community providers and follow up when appropriate.
- Provide occasional crisis intervention and support within the scope of the position.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries while providing compassionate, person-centered services.
Housing Navigation & Housing Support
- Assist clients with identifying, applying for, obtaining, and maintaining appropriate housing.
- Navigate local, county, state, and federal housing programs and resources.
- Assist clients with housing searches, applications, documentation, and follow-up.
- Maintain current knowledge of subsidized housing, public housing, Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 programs, supportive housing, Housing Support, Housing Stabilization Services, and other applicable programs.
- Coordinate with landlords, property managers, housing authorities, housing providers, and other housing partners.
- Assist clients with housing-related paperwork and required documentation.
- Support clients with move-in planning and transition from shelter to housing.
- Provide follow-up and housing stabilization support when appropriate.
- Identify new and emerging housing resources and communicate relevant information to clients and program staff.
Housing Support Program
- Coordinate and manage the day-to-day case-management functions associated with the shelter's Housing Support program.
- Complete and submit Housing Support applications to appropriate county offices.
- Track applications, required documentation, deadlines, and follow-up needs.
- Follow up with county workers regarding applications, eligibility, documentation, and ongoing services.
- Assist clients in obtaining required documentation and responding to county requests.
- Maintain accurate Housing Support records and documentation.
- Complete required Housing Support check-ins, reporting, and other program requirements.
- Maintain current knowledge of Housing Support requirements and related state and county processes.
- Communicate program changes and emerging issues to the Program Manager.
Benefits & Resource Navigation
- Assist clients with applications, renewals, and follow-up for public benefits and services.
- Assist clients with SNAP, General Assistance, SSI, SSDI, DAC, retirement benefits, Medical Assistance, Medicare, unemployment, and other applicable programs.
- Help clients understand and navigate county, state, and federal benefit systems.
- Track application deadlines, appointments, documentation requirements, notices, and follow-up needs.
- Assist clients with obtaining identification, birth certificates, Social Security cards, medical records, and other required documents.
- Coordinate with county workers and other agencies regarding eligibility, applications, and ongoing services.
- Assist clients in identifying resources that support long-term financial, housing, and personal stability.
Disability & Specialized Service Navigation
- Maintain working knowledge of disability-related programs and services relevant to clients experiencing barriers to housing stability.
- Assist clients with obtaining documentation needed to establish disability or eligibility for services.
- Assist with Social Security and disability-related applications and documentation.
- Coordinate with medical providers, therapists, psychologists, social workers, county staff, and other professionals to obtain required documentation.
- Assist clients with obtaining medical records and completing required paperwork.
- Maintain familiarity with programs and documentation including Professional Statements of Need, Diagnostic Assessments, Functional Assessments, Verification of Disability, CADI, Brain Injury (BI), Developmental Disabilities (DD), Community Alternative Care (CAC), Housing Support, and Housing Stabilization Services.
- The employee is not expected to independently complete clinical assessments, provide clinical diagnoses, or perform services outside their qualifications, licensure, or authorized scope of practice.
Mental Health & Behavioral Health Coordination
- Work collaboratively with in-shelter mental health services to support coordinated and individualized client planning.
- Coordinate with mental health professionals and other behavioral health providers, with appropriate client consent and within confidentiality requirements.
- Incorporate relevant information from behavioral health providers and other service partners into case planning while maintaining appropriate role boundaries.
- Assist clients in connecting with mental health, substance use, treatment, and other behavioral health resources.
- Support continuity of services when clients transition between shelter, community programs, treatment settings, and housing.
- Maintain professional boundaries and recognize when client needs require referral to qualified mental health or healthcare professionals.
Employment, Education & Financial Stability
- Assist clients in identifying employment and education resources.
- Connect clients with workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, employment, and educational programs.
- Support clients in identifying and addressing barriers to employment.
- Assist clients with identifying resources related to budgeting, income, transportation, and financial stability.
- Coordinate referrals to employment, education, and financial assistance programs.
- Incorporate employment and financial goals into individualized case plans when appropriate.
Outreach & Community-Based Services
- Provide case management, resource navigation, and service coordination to designated outreach clients.
- Establish and maintain professional relationships with outreach clients and community partners.
- Identify individuals who may benefit from shelter, housing, benefits, healthcare, or other community services.
- Assist outreach clients in connecting with appropriate services and resources.
- Follow up with clients and service providers as appropriate to support continuity of services.
- Maintain accurate documentation of outreach contacts, services, referrals, and outcomes.
Documentation & Program Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and complete case notes and client documentation.
- Complete required documentation within established timeframes.
- Maintain accurate client files and monitor files for completeness.
- Complete HMIS and other required data entry accurately and within required timelines.
- Complete required program documentation, check-ins, and reporting.
- Track program outcomes and performance measures as assigned.
- Assist with grant reporting and data collection.
- Prepare documentation for audits, monitoring visits, and program reviews.
- Ensure documentation and service delivery comply with agency, county, state, and federal requirements.
- Maintain confidentiality of client and organizational information.
Community Collaboration & Resource Development
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community agencies, housing providers, county workers, healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and other service partners.
- Attend Coordinated Entry meetings, local housing coalition meetings, and other community meetings as assigned.
- Maintain current knowledge of local housing, benefits, healthcare, employment, mental health, disability, and social-service resources.
- Research and identify new or changing community resources that may benefit shelter residents and outreach clients.
- Develop and maintain resource information for use by clients and staff.
- Advocate for clients with community agencies and service systems.
- Identify gaps in available services and communicate emerging needs to the Program Manager.
- Participate in community outreach and education as assigned.
Program & Organizational Support
- Assist with program development and continuous quality improvement.
- Participate in developing policies, procedures, forms, and client materials as assigned.
- Participate in grant implementation, data collection, and reporting as assigned.
- Provide feedback to the Program Manager regarding program operations, client needs, and community resources.
- Participate in staff meetings, training, supervision, and other organizational activities.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned based on the immediate needs of clients, the shelter, and the organization.
Professional Practice
The Social Services Case Worker is expected to:
- Use trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based approaches when working with clients.
- Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Demonstrate cultural awareness and respect for individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Use motivational interviewing and other appropriate engagement approaches.
- Apply harm-reduction principles when appropriate.
- Remain calm, professional, and solution-focused during difficult or crisis situations.
- Maintain a respectful and nonjudgmental approach.
- Advocate for clients while maintaining appropriate program boundaries and requirements.
- Exercise sound judgment when navigating complex situations.
- Recognize the limits of the position's role and refer clients to appropriately qualified professionals when needs exceed the scope of the position.
- Work collaboratively with shelter staff, mental health providers, community partners, and other service professionals.
Core Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong case management and individualized service-planning skills.
- Ability to assess needs, identify barriers, establish goals, and develop practical plans with clients.
- Strong housing navigation and resource-navigation skills.
- Ability to learn and navigate housing programs, public benefits, and community service systems.
- Strong advocacy and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to build effective professional relationships with clients and community partners.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong documentation and case-note writing skills.
- Ability to manage multiple clients, priorities, deadlines, and program requirements.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work independently while seeking appropriate consultation and supervision.
- Sound judgment and ability to respond appropriately to changing circumstances.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing homelessness and complex barriers to stability.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with mental health and other behavioral health professionals.
- Computer skills appropriate to case management, documentation, data entry, and communication.
Minimum Qualifications
- Two-year degree, certificate, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Behavioral Health, or a related field.
- Experience providing case management, social services, outreach, housing services, or other relevant direct human services.
- Ability to develop and implement individualized case plans and work collaboratively with clients to identify goals, strengths, barriers, and appropriate services.
- Ability to navigate housing programs, public benefits, and community resources and assist clients with applications, documentation, referrals, and follow-up.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with clients, shelter staff, mental health professionals, county workers, housing providers, and community service providers.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
- Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
- Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check and Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) background study.
- Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Commitment to the mission and values of A Place For You.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Behavioral Health, or a related field.
- Minnesota Social Work licensure (LSW, LGSW, LISW, or LICSW), preferred but not required.
- Experience providing case management or social services in an emergency shelter, homelessness services, supportive housing, outreach, or other community-based setting.
- Experience developing individualized service plans and providing ongoing case management to individuals experiencing homelessness or other complex barriers to stability.
- Experience navigating Minnesota Housing Support, Housing Stabilization Services, Coordinated Entry, subsidized housing, public housing, or other housing programs.
- Experience working with public benefits, Social Security, disability services, or county human services systems.
- Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance use, disabilities, or other complex barriers to housing stability.
- Experience collaborating with mental health providers and other behavioral health professionals.
- Experience providing outreach or community-based services.
- Experience with HMIS, ClientTrack, or comparable case-management/data systems.
- Knowledge of local housing, employment, healthcare, benefits, mental health, and social-service resources.
- Experience working collaboratively with landlords, housing authorities, property managers, and other housing providers.
Work Environment
This position is performed in an emergency shelter and community-based service environment. The employee will regularly interact with individuals experiencing homelessness and may work with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance use, disabilities, conflict, crisis situations, or other circumstances requiring patience, professionalism, and sound judgment.
The position requires regular interaction with shelter residents, outreach clients, shelter staff, mental health providers, community agencies, county systems, housing providers, and other service partners. The employee must be able to manage sensitive information, respond appropriately to changing circumstances, and maintain professional boundaries while providing compassionate and effective services.
The position may require work outside of the primary office or shelter setting to meet with outreach clients, attend community meetings, meet with service providers, or address other community-based responsibilities.
A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are preferred and may be required for certain community-based responsibilities.
Compensation & Benefits
Wage Range: $23.00–$29.00 per hour, DOQ
A Place For You offers a supportive work environment and opportunities for training and professional development. Benefits and eligibility are provided according to organizational policies and applicable employment requirements.
Equal Employment Opportunity
A Place For You is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a workplace that is respectful, inclusive, and free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, organizational needs, and other lawful considerations.
General Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may be modified as organizational needs change.
Pay: $23.00 - $29.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
