Samaritan Ministry
of Greater Washington

Samaritan Ministry is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people who are homeless or in need to help themselves.  The agency’s Next Step self-sufficiency approach allows Participants to set life improvement goals for themselves and with the help of Samaritan Ministry staff, determine a series of manageable, specific tasks toward the fulfillment of those goals.  Services such as housing and employment counseling, coaching, motivation, and more are offered by the program.  Samaritan Ministry offers free help to anyone who wants to make a change in his or her life.  There is no religious requirement for Program Participants of Samaritan Ministry.

1516 Hamilton Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011

Additional offices and possible placement locations include:
1345 U Street SE, Washington, DC 20020
2207 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204

Web: www.samaritanministry.org

JOB DESCRIPTION:  Next Step Program case worker

• Conducts intake interviews to assess the circumstances and needs of persons coming to SMGW for assistance, to explain the Next Step program and its methodology.
• Develops and updates Individual Development Plans (IDPs) with program participants, assisting them to set and prioritize short and long-range goals.
• Meets with program participants to help them set and take manageable, achievable next steps toward goal achievement, empowerment and self-reliance, providing encouragement, coaching, support, information, referrals and resources within the Next Step philosophy and methodology.
• Participates actively in case consultations with other caseworkers and program staff, seeking and providing advice and suggestions for effective case management in general and in individual situations.
• Supports/Assists Program Participants with:
• Completing on-line job applications;
• Completing applications for food stamps and other benefits;
• Setting up and using free email accounts;
• Using computers/Internet for things like job search;
• Writing basic cover letters, sending faxes, attaching resumes to emails, etc.;
• Editing/updating resumes;
• Serves as back-up Front Office Coordinator as needed
• Enters participant information (e.g. registration forms) into the casework database
• Assists casework staff with other routine duties such as making copies of forms, sorting/organizing donations and office cleaning tasks
• Conducts trainings for participants and assists in the training of volunteer staff to serve as front office coordinators, resume writers, workshop leaders, caseworkers, etc.
• Maintains effective working relationships with other agencies, service providers and resources to which (and from which) participants may be referred; conducts outreach visits when necessary, sharing information about the Next Step program and obtaining current information about other resources; Regularly contributes to the resource directory; updates and maintains the accuracy of records.
• Participates actively in training and development activities and in special projects aimed at continually improving program services.
• Participates in SMGW special events, helping to share information about SMGW and working to ensure event success.
• Attends staff meetings and other meetings as required by supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Working hours are 8:45am-5:00pm

Internship Learning Opportunities:

• Gain an understanding of the circumstances and conditions leading to homelessness and unemployment;
• Obtain/strengthen the skills to assist program participants set and achieve goals;
• Become familiar with typical resources and services available to people in need, including entitlement programs;
• Work in partnership with Samaritan Ministry staff and volunteers as well as those from other agencies;
• Hone presentation and leadership skills, and
• Develop and implement a new program/service component or enhancement.

QUALIFICATIONS OR SKILLS:

• Must have good listening, organizing, and public speaking skills;
• Demonstrated analytical, interpersonal, and leadership skills; and
• Ability to do research as well as maintain records. 

1 Westmoreland Circle
Bethesda, MD 20816
301-229-7766
Email the church office: churchinfo@westmorelanducc.org
www.westmorelanducc.org

An Open and Affirming Congregation

© 2006 Westmoreland United Church of Christ
Website design: Desrocher Designs