Caseworker

The Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) is hiring a full-time Caseworker to work with low-income Michigan residents whom struggle to pay their electric and heat utility bills. Our goals are to help our clients become energy secure by utilizing the Michigan Energy Assistance (MEAP) and energy conservation services.

The Caseworker will be trained in all aspects of casework but will be assigned in a daily role dependent on workload. Positions rotate to ensure we always have someone to help in any given area and include: Intake, Outreach, Phones, Applications, Requests and Quality Checking. Applicants should be passionate about the real work necessary to combat climate change, assisting people in energy crises, sustainability, and energy justice.

Caseworker Responsibilities Include:

• Create energy security plans with clients over the phone.
• Correspond with clients regarding program requirements.
• Answer phones and conduct outbound calls.
• Conduct needs assessments and make referrals for services not offered by the program.
• Navigate clients in the process of submitting the State Emergency Relief (SER) assistance application.
• Perform income verification for assistance programs.
• Conduct outreach for MDHHS referrals.
• Work with project partners to ensure clients are assisted in an efficient and friendly manner.
• Work with the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) and energy providers to prevent disconnection or to get the client re-connected.
• Work within the SWP Salesforce Portal, Word, Excel and Google Docs to complete client requests.
• Other duties as assigned

Educational and Experience Requirements:

• Minimum requirements: A high school diploma or GED.
• Experience in case management or social service delivery, particularly working with low-income individuals or families, is preferred.

Hard Skills:

• Competence in using computers and software applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite and specialized databases, for maintaining client records and completing documentation.
• Ability to analyze income documentation to determine eligibility using State Emergency Relief guidelines.
• Understanding of energy efficiency measures, such as insulation, weatherstripping, and other related conservation efforts.

Soft Skills:

• Communication: Caseworkers need to effectively communicate with clients, colleagues, and other professionals, both verbally and in writing. This includes active listening, clarity of speech and writing, and the ability to convey complex information in an understandable way.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others is essential for building trust and rapport with clients. Caseworkers must be able to approach each individual with respect and without judgment.
• Problem-solving: Caseworkers often encounter complex situations requiring them to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement action plans.
• Critical thinking: This skill allows caseworkers to analyze situations, assess risks, and make sound judgments.
• Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing circumstances, such as new policies or client needs, is important for a caseworker.
• Organizational skills: Effective case management requires strong organizational skills to manage client information, track progress, and meet deadlines.
• Cultural competence: Caseworkers need to be aware of and sensitive to the cultural backgrounds of their clients to provide appropriate and effective services.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with other professionals and agencies is often necessary to provide comprehensive care.
• Resilience: The ability to cope with the emotional demands of the job and maintain a positive attitude is crucial.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Full-time position, 40 hours per week
• Office Hours of Operation 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday - Friday
• Starting wage $22.00 per hour
• Health, Dental & Vision after 90-day probation period
• Employer HSA Contribution
• 401K Match up to 4% Employer Match after 1 year and 1,000 worked hours
• Paid Holidays & PTO
• Grant funded

Work Environment:

The work environment is casual but fast paced with multiple activities occurring at the same time. The employee needs to be able to handle multiple demands and priorities. Must be able to maintain an organized & clean work environment in the office space. Must be comfortable talking with persons affected by poverty.

Required Background Checks:

• E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov/
• ICHAT: https://www.michigan.gov/msp/services/chr

The SWP is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22