Disaster Recovery Case Manager

Disaster Recovery Case Manager

Position Status: Full-time, Salaried, Temporary Grant Funded Employee

Employer: Western NC Conference of the United Methodist Church (WNCCUMC)

Reports To: Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

Location: Yancy County, North Carolina

Position Summary: The Disaster Case Manager (DCM) works with a disaster affected survivor to plan, find resources for, and achieve realistic goals for recovery following a disaster. The DCM serves as a primary point of contact, assisting the survivor in coordinating necessary services and resources to address the survivor’s complex disaster recovery needs in order to re-establish normalcy. The disaster case manager relies on the survivor to play an active or lead role in his or her own recovery.

Key Competencies: organizational skills, emotional intelligence, communication skills

Essential Job Requirements:

• An appreciation of nature and mission of the Church is essential
• Maintain ethical conduct in accordance with organizational policy
• Operate in a manner consistent with WNCCUMC’s mission, values, and policies
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends
• Possess High School Diploma or equivalent

• Able to maintain high standards for protecting survivor information, and sharing confidential information only as agreed upon by the survivor and as evidenced by a signed release form
• Able to work calmly and effectively to resolve conflicts in sensitive situations
• Able to work collaboratively with others
• Able to maintain appropriate client/survivor boundaries
• Able to utilize word processing, database, and spreadsheet software and demonstrate ability to learn new and/or customized software
• Possess excellent communication, organizational, and critical thinking skills, e.g.: Interviewing and listening skills

• Documentation and Data Management skills
• Cultural competence relevant to the population served
• Sensitivity to the needs of individuals and families in crisis
• Possess genuine care and respect for individuals, families, and communities served
• Active membership in a United Methodist Church is preferred, but not required.
• Applicant should possess no outside business interest that may conflict with the client/survivor or the organization’s goals and objectives

Upon hiring:

• Safety screening as evidenced by a background check
• Completion of the UMCOR disaster case management training

Essential Job Functions:

• Perform client outreach by utilizing doorknockers, Disaster Recovery Centers, Multi-Agency Resource Centers, etc. to identify survivors in need of services and referrals
• Screen applicants promptly and responsively to identify urgency of need and direct individuals to appropriate services, providing accurate and timely information and referral
• Conduct comprehensive, individualized, strengths-based, and culturally responsive assessments of each survivor’s disaster recovery needs and share available resources
• Engage each survivor through ongoing, in-person meetings to cooperatively participate in the development, implementation, and review of an individualized disaster recovery plan
• Empower the disaster survivor to effectively access the resources available in accordance with the sequence of delivery for disaster recovery
• Provide, refer, or otherwise arrange for survivors to receive needed services and resources identified in the recovery plan through the following actions:
• • Assist in the restoration of pre-disaster social service benefits for qualified individuals
  • Verify unmet needs by obtaining records and/or contacting vendors
  • Network with other organizations to guide survivor through sequence of delivery without duplication of benefits or services
  • Advocate with and for survivors by activities including but not limited to:
  • Preparing case presentations on behalf of survivor
  • Providing support and advocacy with governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations when necessary

• Monitor survivor progress toward recovery goals
• Document using standardized forms and enter into the database in a timely fashion
• Work closely with Directory of Recovery, Volunteer Coordinator, and Construction Coordinator to plan for projects volunteer teams or contract vendors
• Provide feedback to the volunteer and construction coordinator on the client story and specific functional needs essential for the scope of work
• Provide continuity of survivor services through case transfer or case closure

Working Conditions:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle to be able to drive long distances
• Hybrid Office: Roughly 30% Home Office, 40% Church Office, 30% Field Work
• Constant interaction with internal and external partners for the purpose of collecting and distributing information.
• Adaptability to environmental factors, including noises, odors, variable climate, etc.
• Spends over 60% of time sitting; remainder of time includes walking and standing
• Occasional lifting (5 - 45 lbs.) and climbing stairs
• Must work cooperatively and collaboratively with colleagues, survivors and other agencies involved in the recovery.

WNCCUMC is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.