The Town of Ashland seeks qualified, experienced, and energetic applicants for the position of Case Manager. Under the Department of Prevention & Human Services and the supervision of the Director & Lead Social Worker, this position will interface with Ashland residents of all ages to assist residents in accessing resources and support. This position is critical to identifying community needs and bridging the department’s delivery of prevention and social services. This position will support residents with navigating social, emotional, material, financial, or environmental stressors through case management, resource referral, and social support identification.
The Case Manager will:
- Serve as the primary applicant screener and liaison to the Ashland Emergency Fund assisting residents in navigating financial hardship
- Serve as the liaison to the Ashland Food Pantry to ensure a continuum of patron services
- Assist Ashland residents in the application process for SNAP/EBT benefits
- Assist Ashland residents in the application process for Fuel Assistance
- Assist with the implementation of the Holiday Assistance Program and Thanksgiving Meal Program
- Assist with the Ashland’s Hoarding Task Force and Ashland’s Substance Response and Support Team
- Conduct intakes and needs assessments, identify appropriate resources and next steps, and provide follow-up to help residents navigate available services
- Build supportive, professional relationships with residents and serve as an approachable point of contact for residents seeking assistance, information, referrals, or connection to community resources
- Develop and maintain a strong understanding of local, regional, and state community resources and services in order to make appropriate and meaningful connections for residents
- Conduct office and home visits with residents, as appropriate, to assess needs, provide support, and connect residents with resources
- Maintain notes, efficiently complete documentation, and document resident encounters with the department in a timely manner in the MySeniorCenter database
- Maintain Prevention & Human Services social media presence as assigned
- Identify innovative ideas and opportunities to respond to unmet resident needs and emerging community needs
- Assist with specialty projects and initiatives facilitated by the department
- Communicate with the rest of the Community Center staff for consultation and support to provide resources to the residents they serve
- Work in collaboration with other Town departments, community organizations, and service providers as needed and requested
- Commit to an LGBTQ+ affirming, multi-cultural competence, anti-racism, and anti-discrimination compassionate atmosphere
QUALIFICATIONS:
A successful applicant will hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a Human Services related field; Master’s Degree in Social Work preferred. Candidates should have 1-3 years of progressively responsible experience in a human service related agency and familiarity with community resources and services in the area. Applicants must have a basic understanding of the mobility, persistence, and significant factors impacted by poverty/low income for children, families, and individuals living and/or struggling with mental illness or substance use/misuse related difficulties. They should have the ability to express compassion and empathy for those we serve with dignity, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate effective assessment skills for facilitating intakes, identifying needs, and making referrals.
A successful applicant should have a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Case Manager and the ability to build comfortable, professional relationships with residents from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances. The ideal candidate will be personable, approachable, and comfortable engaging with residents in both office and community settings, including conducting home visits when appropriate. Candidates should demonstrate sound judgment, professional boundaries, and the ability to recognize when additional consultation or support is needed.
Candidates should have strong knowledge of or the ability to develop knowledge of local community resources and services and the ability to make meaningful connections between residents and appropriate supports. The successful applicant should demonstrate awareness of community needs and the ability to identify gaps, emerging needs, and opportunities to strengthen services and connections for Ashland residents.
A successful applicant must possess excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and a strong competency in computer skills and maintaining a database. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, follow-through, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential. Dedicated staff will train the right candidate. Bilingual candidates proficient in Spanish or Portuguese are encouraged to apply.
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PLUS:
- An inspiring sense of excitement and spirit that fuels the approach to social work and today’s community challenges
- Passionate commitment to community and unwavering belief in the role that human services plays in our communities
- Hands-on knowledge of the principles and practices of 21st-century social work
- Proactive, problem-solving mindset; a collaborative, flexible style; and a drive to innovate
- Demonstrated skill in communication, team-building, organization, and public services education
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related Human Services field
- Master's degree in Social Work
- 1-3 years of progressively responsible experience in a human services agency
- Familiarity with local community resources and services
- Understanding of factors affecting children, families, and individuals experiencing poverty, mental illness, or substance use difficulties
- Ability to conduct intakes, assess needs, and make referrals
- Ability to build professional relationships with residents from diverse backgrounds
- Ability to conduct office and home visits when appropriate
- Compassion, empathy, confidentiality, sound judgment, and professional boundaries
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Computer proficiency and database-maintenance skills
- Strong organization, attention to detail, and follow-through
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Spanish or Portuguese bilingual proficiency
What We Do
Town of Ashland, Massachusetts, is a municipal government serving a community in Middlesex County through public administration and essential local services. Its departments oversee finance, public works and infrastructure, public safety, health, human services, planning, conservation, recreation, libraries, and economic development. Governed through a Select Board, Town Manager, and Open Town Meeting, Ashland works to maintain a safe, sustainable, and thriving community.
