What you should know about Merrick Community Services

For more than 110 years, Merrick Community Services has demonstrated through its mission that it supports individuals and families to navigate life transitions, find health and stability, and promote independence.  

Merrick Community Services was founded on Saint Paul’s East Side in 1908 as the Christ Child Society, a part of a national model of settlement houses, which provided essential services to economically disadvantaged communities.  Today, Merrick Community Services stands as one of the oldest nonprofit agencies in Ramsey County, with a history of assisting individuals and families transition from poverty and become self-sufficient and stable.  The core programs of MCS are Nutritional and Independence Services (comprised of the Food Shelves and MOW/Senior Services) and Employment, Family and Youth Services.

CURRENT OPENINGS

Manager of Nutritional & Independence Services

Position Type:            Full-time (40 Hours Per Week)
Location:                     Saint Paul, MN
Travel Required:         Local (fewer than 25%)
Required Education:   Bachelors Degree or Related Experience
Minimum Experience: 2 years or a combination of 4 years education and experience; the ideal candidate will be bilingual in Hmong, Spanish, or Somali

Description:

Nutritional and Independence Services of Merrick Community Services includes the Food Shelf and Meals on Wheels/Seniors Services programs.  The Food Shelf provides nutritious food to households on the East Side of Saint Paul and Maplewood.  Meals on Wheels provides daily hot and nutritious meals to seniors on the East Side of Saint Paul and south Washington County.  Multiple mobile food distributions are also provided on a monthly basis.

 

The Manager of Nutritional & Independence Services (NIS) is responsible for the overall administration, supervision, planning, and operations of both the Food Shelf and Meals on Wheels/Seniors programs. This includes: creating and managing the annual department budget; maintaining files, databases, and reports for Funders; and, recruiting, training, and supervising staff, volunteers, and interns. The NIS Manager also engages local churches, businesses, and community partners to recruit volunteers and to solicit resources (including, food) to better meet the needs and goals of participants. In addition to supporting direct service to participants, the Nutritional & Independence Services Manager is a member of the Management Team and reports to the Executive Director.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Develop, implement, and evaluate services and programs of the department to ensure they meet the needs of East Side participants
  • Develop and manage annual department budget
  • Manage and maintain participant files, database, and department receipts
  • Confirm, convey, and enforce operational standards for contracts and grants
  • Complete required and requested reports, evaluations, and summary analyses in a timely and accurate manner
  • Create and encourage alliances and collaborations with other MCS programs, to better meet the needs of participants
  • Develop and implement strategies to promote program growth and participant satisfaction
  • Coordinate with Director of Resource Development and Executive Director gift and in-kind donation processing and follow-up communications
  • Assist in the preparation of accurate Reports to Funders, including United Way
  • Support grant proposal writing, communications, and site visits with Funders

Program Support Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Supervises the Development Department to ensure operations run efficiently and effectively
  • Creates, implements, and manages various systems for day-to-day Development Operations, which includes Grant Management and Tracking, Contact Relationship Management Database, Acknowledgement and Thank You Communications, Volunteer Management System, etc.
  • Manages the identification, recruitment, and acknowledgement of volunteers to support MCS programs and services
  • Pursues grants/contracts and solicits foundations to support programming and operations
  • Establishes and maintains relationships for corporate and individual giving
  • Manages fund development, communications, and event planning
  • Hire Department and Contracted Staff and Interns
  • Assists Executive Director with Special Projects and/or Reports
  • Monitors, guides and supports Development Staff to meet objectives, attain goals, and identify opportunities and/or barriers related to job performance
  • Evaluates Development Staff work performance and recommends compensation
  • Models, promotes, and directs compliance with the agency’s Personnel Policy Guidelines
  • Ensures Staff participates in required agency and program-related training, as necessary
  • Contributes to the overall management of MCS to successfully achieve its mission
  • Manages, builds and promotes good business partnerships with Program Managers, to ensure their financial needs and questions are answered in a timely manner
  • Promotes Merrick Community Services, its programs and services
  • Participates in MCS fundraisers and community events
  • Represents MCS to the community in a supportive, positive and professional manner
  • Perform other tasks and duties as assigned

Program Management/Supervision Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Create, implement, and manage various systems for day-to-day operations
  • Provide leadership, direction and oversight to recruit, train, and supervise department staff and volunteers
  • Monitor, guide, and support supervised staff, to help them meet objectives, attain goals, and identify opportunities and/or barriers related to job performance
  • Model, promote, and direct compliance with Agency Personnel Policy Guidelines
  • Ensure staff participates in required Agency and program-related training
  • Evaluate work performance, based on Annual Work Plans, of supervised staff and recommend compensation
  • Contribute to overall management of MCS, in order to successfully achieve its mission
  • Collaborate with Agency staff in the coordination and execution of Annual Holiday Share Toy Distribution
  • Represent MCS and serve on relevant committees in a supportive, positive manner
  • Participate in the management of the Agency, as a member of the Management Team
  • Participates in MCS fundraisers and community events
  • Promote Merrick Community Services, its programs, and services to community members and organizations
  • Perform all other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Minimum Education and Experience

  • S. degree or equivalent experience
  • Experience working with volunteers preferred
  • Ability to work effectively with a population that is socio-economically, racially, culturally and linguistically diverse.
  • Preferred bilingual in Hmong, Spanish, or Karen with written and verbal communication skills.
  • High level of interpersonal skills
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to Multitask and manage time effectively
  • Computer skills, specifically the ability to use Word and Excel and various databases
  • Ability to plan, organize and communicate verbally and in writing.
  • A working knowledge of community resources or the ability to acquire such knowledge
  • Ability to model respectful, inclusive, responsible behavior that is consistent with the agency mission

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Highly organized and attentive to detail in order to manage many different tasks and strategies simultaneously
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to develop and cultivate positive relationships with foundations, corporations, local businesses, churches, individual donor prospects, volunteers, and colleagues
  • Innovative, critical thinker, and creative problem-solver who thinks outside the box to address challenges
  • Ability to provide accurate and timely reports to the funders, and organization leadership
  • Proven ability to be self-directive, meet specific deadlines, and work independently, in the context of being part of a team
  • Experience modeling respectful, inclusive, and responsible behavior that is consistent with the agency’s Mission, Vision, and Values
  • Ability to work with and engage a socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse populations
  • Ability to develop and manage budgets and prepare financial reports
  • Effective knowledge of appropriate technology and software to communicate effectively in print and electronically
  • Ability to contribute to MCS as a leader and team member
  • Knowledge of principles of supervision and ability to manage diverse staff and contractors
  • Proven ability to maintain optimal confidentiality

Working Conditions

  • A valid Minnesota driver’s license, a good driving record and reliable transportation
  • The ability to travel into the community to meet with partners
  • Upon occasion, ability to work evening and weekend hours, as needed
  • This position may require evening and weekend hours of work
  • The ability to lift 50 pounds

CLICK HERE FOR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

All interested applicants should send a cover letter and professional resume to hr@merrickcs.org

__________________________________________________________________________

FAMILY SERVICES CASE WORKER

Position Type:            Full-time (25-40 hours per week)
Location:                     Saint Paul, MN
Travel Required:         Local (fewer than 25%)
Required Education:   Associate’s Degree in Social Work, Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
Minimum Experience: 1 Year

Description:

The Family Services Case Worker position is responsible for case management of parent and family engagement services for families referred by or to Ramsey County Family and Community Partnership Program. The focus is on implementation of ongoing case management services using the initial Parent Support Outreach Plan (PSOP); updating PSOP monthly, quarterly and yearly; developing and implementing resources and referrals to support PSOP; and engagement and involvement of parents/families through home visiting, crisis intervention, Merrick and community events, workshops and activities. The Family Services Case Worker will also strive to maintain a positive and supportive relationship with parents and families.   This position reports to the Supervisor of Family Services.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct initial intake when parents/families are referred or in need of referral to Ramsey County within five days of receiving referral information
  • Review the initial case plan/parent services and outreach plan (PSOP) with established goals and outcomes; review and update plan monthly, quarterly and yearly
  • Assist parents/ families in the creation of goals and evaluation to overcome barriers to success
  • Work with parents/families in identifying community resources to meet established goals and skill development needs
  • Develop and maintain strength-based relationships with parents/families referred through the program
  • Develop and maintain effective and positive community partnerships and collaborations
  • Maintain accurate case notes, client records, and database to meet the standard for monthly case notes, case reporting and financial billing for the Ramsey County Family and Community Partnership Program
  • Meet monthly with Ramsey County Social Worker, Program Coordinator or other Ramsey County staff; consult with Ramsey County staff regarding emergency financial management, emergency contact updates, and other unresolved client concerns
  • Actively participate in Ramsey County quarterly partnership meetings and other scheduled meetings
  • Attend all Merrick’s meetings and events as scheduled
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

    • Requires a minimum of an Associate Degree  with a focus on social and human services, social work, family services  or a related field of study or a combination of training and experience providing equivalent knowledge; Bachelor’s Degree preferred
    • Successful experience as a case worker and working with the County’s system is a plus
    • Proven experience working effectively with a population that is diverse, inclusive and socio-economically challenged
    • Knowledge of other community services available through networking
    • Must be strength-based, self-motivated, goal-oriented, and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills
    • Ability to deal with challenging situations in a calm, fair but effective and professional manner
    • Ability to model respectful, inclusive, and responsible behavior that is consistent with the agency mission, vision, and values
    • Ability to maintain utmost confidentiality
    • Cooperative team member who can work independently
    • Strong computer skills in the use of MS Office
    • Maintain databases, management and tracking systems, based on intake forms, PSOP, and the requirements of funders and Merrick Community Services
    • This position requires a valid Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle to travel locally.

CLICK HERE FOR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT


All interested applicants should send a cover letter and professional resume to hr@merrickcs.org

______________________________________________________________

COMMUNITY SOCIAL WORKER

Position Type:            Full-time 
Location:                     Saint Paul, MN
Travel Required:         Local (fewer than 25%)
Required Education:   Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, MN Social Work Licensure
Minimum Experience: 2 Year

Description:

The Community Social Worker provides case management to families in School District 622 or 624 through a partnership with the Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative. The Community Social Worker connects families with services, resources, and systems to overcome the barriers in their lives and support them through self-motivated goal achievements.

Responsibilities:

  • Case Management – Complete assessment of family strengths and needs. Provide information and refer families to appropriate community services.  Advocate with service providers and other parties on behalf of families as needed.
  • Daily Tasks Include: Home visits, third party advocacy, collaboration with school staff, and crisis intervention. A typical case load can be between 16 – 20 families.
  • Record Keeping – Maintain accurate records, including both computerized records and paper files.
  • Attend community meetings and agency staff meetings. Keep up to date on current community resources and programs. Continually advance skills and knowledge of Social Work practice. 

Qualifications:

  • Must have experience working in the community with families in crisis including experience with assessing families’ strengths and needs, and adapting to crisis situations, refer to and follow-up with community resources.
  • Knowledge and Abilities (core competencies) – Working knowledge of case management method of social work practice and family systems. Must have access to reliable transportation, a valid Minnesota driver’s license and current insurance.
  • Personal Characteristics/Work Habits – Flexibility, organization, teamwork and the ability to manage multiple demands each day. Ability to work independently while using supervision appropriately.
  • Physical working conditions include frequent travel in the community to client homes, computer work and telephone calls and moving around the office. This position requires the employee to drive to meet with clients in their homes on a daily basis.
  • Mental requirements include verbal and written communication abilities to conduct client assessment and develop goal plans. Must possess good people and listening skills and be able to maintain client confidentiality.  Must have the capacity to handle multiple priorities.   Must be able to professionally interact with Merrick staff and management, clients in the community and other social service organizations.
  • Equipment/technology requirements include familiarity with Microsoft Office software, ClientTrack, copier and fax machine.

CLICK HERE FOR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

All interested applicants should send a cover letter and professional resume to hr@merrickcs.org

_____________________________________________________________

Employment Assistant

Position Type:            Regular Full Time
Location:                     Saint Paul, MN
Travel Required:         Local (fewer than 25%)
Required Education:   Minimum, Associate’s Degree: Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
Minimum Experience: 1 Year

Description:

The Employment Assistant provides case management services to individuals seeking employment. This position also supports the Employment Services Departments’ technical and administrative needs, which includes data entry and management, data report generation for funders, placement tracking and follow-up, training class planning logistics, and monthly billing, among other duties. This position reports to the Manager of Employment Services.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct initial intake of individuals seeking employment services and support.
  • Create individual case management plans, with goals and objectives and an evaluation plan to overcome barriers to success.
  • Maintain accurate case notes, client records, and database(s) to meet funder standards for programmatic reporting and tracking and financial reporting and billing.
  • Review and update monthly, quarterly and yearly case management plans.
  • Complete required and requested reports, evaluations, and summary analysis in a timely manner.
  • Support MCS Job Bank, résumé writing, and employment interview preparation.
  • Coordinate and support training class planning logistics and update periodic employment verifications.
  • Develop and maintain professional communication and positive relationships with current and potential employers and the workforce development provider’s network, to support employment opportunities for program participants.
  • Assist Manager of Employment Services in setting and attaining Department goals.
  • Attend all Merrick’s meetings and events as scheduled.
  • Perform other duties, as assigned.

    Minimum Qualifications:
     

    • Associate’s Degree, with a focus on social or human services and/or social work and/or a related field of study, or a combination of training and experience providing an equivalent knowledge.
    • Proven track-record of working effectively with racially, culturally, linguistically, and socio-economically diverse communities.
    • Strength-based, self-motivated, and goal-oriented.
    • Possess strong interpersonal and excellent oral and written communication skills.
    • Ability to deal with challenging situations in a calm, fair but effective and professional manner.
    • Cooperative team member who can work independently.
    • Excellent computers skills and experience with databases and MS Office: Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Word.
    • Ability to maintain databases and client/participant tracking systems, which are based on intake forms, PSOP, and the requirements of funders and Merrick Community Services.
    • This position requires valid Driver’s License and reliable vehicle to travel locally.

     

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Bachelor’s degree, with a focus on social or human services and/or social work and/or a related field.
    • Successful experience with employment or workforce development and/or human services case management.
    • Experience using any number of client/participant tracking systems including MAXIS, Workforce One, ClientTrack, Ramsey or Hennepin County data base management systems, etc.
    • Bilingual competency (Hmong, Somali, and/or Spanish).


    CLICK HERE FOR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

    All interested applicants should send a cover letter and professional resume to hr@merrickcs.org

______________________________________________________________

Youth Services Assistant

Position Type:             Part-time (20-25 hours per week)
Location:                     Saint Paul, MN
Hourly Rate:                $15/hr
Travel Required:         Local (fewer than 25%)
Required Education:   Bachelor’s Degree in Youth Development, Social Work, Education or related field, or working towards such.
Min Experience Required:         2 years or a combination of 4 years education and experience.

Description

The Youth Services Coordinator is responsible for planning, implementing and staffing programs for East Side youth at Merrick Community Services.  This position coordinates activities, in partnership with program staff and community partners, to create high quality, meaningful, and enriching opportunities.  He/She will also help create and maintain an environment that encourages respect, leadership, and achievement.  This position reports to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

Explorer’s Club

  • Plan, coordinate and implement activities for youth who participate in MCS Explorer’s Club (After-School Enrichment Program), Summer Program and other youth activities to enhance academic, recreational and social skills.
  • Promote and encourage program participation through outreach and recruitment.
  • Collect and maintain all required registrations, attendance, documentation and data evaluation.
  • Plan and implement future youth programming based on best practices and Merrick’s strategic youth goals.
  • Coordinate and manage partnership with respective St. Paul Recreation Centers.

Lego Robotics

  • Coordinate and assist coaches with planning and team meetings.
  • Promote and encourage program participation through outreach and recruitment.
  • Collect and maintain all required registrations, attendance, documentation and data evaluation.
  • Engage with students to promote STEM interest.

Youth Leadership Committee

  • Facilitate discussion around neighborhood and community topics.
  • Interview interested students for the YLC
  • Organize team-building exercises and leadership trainings.
  • Empower teens to create real change.

Back to School Event

  • Play an active role in Youth Program’s Back to School Event to giveaway backpacks and school supplies.
  • Assist as a liaison between Youth Program and community partners
  • Assist with United Way Day of Action activities
  • Attend Back to School event, from set-up through clean-up

Other responsibilities

  • Coordinate ordering, purchasing and organizing program materials and supplies need for the program.
  • Promote and Refer MCS programs and services to families participating in youth programming.
  • Represent MCS to the community in a professional, supportive and positive manner.
  • Attend Sprockets (St. Paul Youth Collaborative) and EMC5 (East Metro Community Centers) meetings as a Merrick representative.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Youth Development, Social Work, education or related field plus 2 year experience or a combination of 4 years education and experience.
  • Knowledge of adult and child development in diverse cultures.
  • Ability to work effectively with a population that is socio-economically, racially, culturally and linguistically diverse.
  • Preferred bilingual in Hmong, Spanish, or Karen with written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of the youth staff to plan, implement and coordinate youth programs.
  • Computer skills, specifically the ability to use Word and Excel.
  • Ability to plan, organize and communicate verbally and in writing.
  • A working knowledge of community resources or the ability to acquire such knowledge.
  • Ability to model respectful, inclusive, responsible behavior that is consistent with the agency mission.

Working Conditions

  • A valid Minnesota driver’s license, a good driving record and reliable transportation.
  • The ability to travel into the community to meet with parents and attend meetings.
  • Visits with parents may require the ability to climb stairs.
  • The ability to transport program participants in agency vans.
  • This position may require evening and afternoon hours of work.

CLICK HERE FOR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

All interested applicants should send a cover letter and professional resume to hr@merrickcs.org

______________________________________________________________

The above statements are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of the position.  Rather they are intended to provide a general framework of the requirements of the position.  Job incumbents may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed in this job description.  Employment at Merrick Community Services is at-will and may be terminated by either employee or employer for any lawful reason.