Social Services Caseworker

Social Services Caseworker

ABOUT US
The Hope Center, Inc. is a well-respected and leading recovery organization in Lexington, Kentucky-the second largest city- that cares for the homeless and at-risk persons by providing life-sustaining and life-rebuilding services that are comprehensive and address underlying addiction causes.

PURPOSE
The Social Services Caseworker is responsible for providing comprehensive case management to individuals enrolled in the Social Services (SS) Program, General Population (GP) Program, and those experiencing or at risk of homelessness within the community. Operating primarily on an outreach basis, the Caseworker connects clients with critical resources, advocates for their needs, and supports them in achieving greater stability and self-sufficiency.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

· Case Management

• Provide case management services to clients in the Social Services (SS) Program, including elderly and/or disabled individuals, and the General Population (GP) Program, ensuring all client interactions are accurately documented in the Hope Center database within 24 hours of contact while managing an active caseload of 30 clients with monthly progress updates for each client.

Individual Service Plans (ISP)

• Develop individualized service plans in collaboration with clients within 7 days of intake, outlining strategies and goals to assist clients in achieving an optimal level of self-sufficiency and stability, and update ISPs every 30 days or as circumstances change, maintaining all plans in the Hope Center client database.

Housing Support

• Develop and implement housing plans for clients transitioning out of shelters within 10 business days of referral, addressing potential barriers to housing and facilitating access to permanent housing options, and achieve a minimum of 70% successful housing placements per quarter.

Health & Insurance Assistance

• Work closely with HealthFirst Bluegrass to secure medications and medical care, and report all relevant client interactions to improve continuity of care.

Public Assistance & Employment Support

• Assist 100% of eligible clients in applying for SNAP benefits within 14 days of request, help clients build resumes and prepare for job searches, and provide employment support to at least 10 clients per month, referring clients to a minimum of 2 community employment resources per quarter.

Client Resources and Technology Access

• Provide monitored access to phones and/or computers for clients to facilitate achievement of program goals, and distribute resource information to all clients during intake and as needed.

Collaboration & Referral

• Collaborate with local social services and nonprofit agencies to provide a comprehensive network of resources.

Documentation & Reporting

• Keep track of daily services provided on designated spreadsheet and have these numbers ready to submit monthly to supervisor by the 5th of each month, and maintain accurate and timely records of all client interactions to ensure 100% compliance with agency and regulatory standards.

Team Collaboration & Professional Development

• Participate in 100% of weekly case management meetings unless excused, maintain professional development by completing 12 hours of continuing education annually, and ensure compliance with all Hope Center policies and procedures.

Transportation & Community Support

• Provide or arrange transportation assistance for clients attending appointments or essential services, and document 100% of transportation provided, offering at least 2 community resource referrals per client as needed.

COMPETENCIES
Case Management Expertise

• Demonstrates strong knowledge of case management principles, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Effectively manages a caseload of 30 clients, ensuring timely documentation and progress updates.

Client-Centered Service

• Provides compassionate, non-judgmental support tailored to individual client needs.
• Develops individualized service plans that empower clients toward self-sufficiency and stability.

Crisis Intervention & Problem-Solving

• Responds promptly and effectively to crises, using critical thinking to stabilize clients and resolve barriers.
• Adapts strategies to address complex challenges related to homelessness, mental health, and substance use.

Collaboration & Community Resource Navigation

• Works collaboratively with internal teams and external partners (e.g., HealthFirst Bluegrass, LFUCG Coordinated Entry).
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of housing, healthcare, and employment resources to connect clients with appropriate services.

Communication & Documentation Skills

• Communicates clearly and empathetically with clients and stakeholders.
• Maintains accurate, timely documentation of all client interactions, ISPs, and reports in compliance with agency standards.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• Additional coursework or certifications in social work, human services, psychology, or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience in a related field, such as social services, case management, or direct client support, is required.
• Experience working with diverse populations, including those experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use disorders, is highly preferred.
• Prior experience with case management software or client databases is an asset.

HOURS
This is a full-time, non-exempt position. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required based on client needs, special events, or staffing demands.

BENEFITS
This is a full-time position offering the following benefits:

• Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance
• 401(k) with matching percentage from the Hope Center
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending