What you should know about Merrick Community Services

For 109 years Merrick Community Services has succeeded in its mission to improve the lives of residents of the East Side of Saint Paul by empowering individuals, strengthening families, and promoting their 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 (MCS) stands as one of the oldest nonprofit agencies in Ramsey County, with a history of being steadfast in assisting individuals and families escape poverty and become self-sufficient.  The core programs of MCS are the Food Shelf and Employment, Family, Senior, and Youth Services.

CURRENT OPENINGS

COMMUNITY SOCIAL WORKER

Position Type:            Full-time (32-40 hours per week)
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 the community through a partnership with the Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative.  The Community Social worker works to connect children and families with services, resources, and systems to eliminate the barriers in their lives and support them through self-motivated goal achievements.

Responsibilities:

  • 75% 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.
  • 15% Record Keeping - Maintain accurate records, including both computerized records and paper files.
  • 10% – Attend team meetings and agency staff meetings. Keep up to date on current community resources and programs.  Continually upgrade skills and knowledge of Social Work practice.

Qualifications:

  • Must have experience working with at-risk families in the community, including experience with assessing families’ strengths and needs, and providing information, referral and follow-up to other community resources.
  • Knowledge and Abilities (core competencies) – Working knowledge of case management method of social work practice. 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, copier and fax machine.
    CLICK HERE FOR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

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

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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

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Employment Assistant

Position Type:            Part-time (20 hours per week)
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.

Qualifications:

  • Requires a minimum of an 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.
  • Successful experience with employment or workforce development and/or human services case management.
  • 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.
  • Bilingual competency preferred (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

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YOUTH ROBOTICS MENTOR

Position Type:                      Contract (5-10 hours per week)
Compensation:                    $1,500 Stipend (July – December)
Location:                               Saint Paul, MN
Travel Required:                  Local (fewer than 25%)
Min Experience Req:           2 years’ experience working with First Lego Leagues

Description:

Mentors and Coaches are individuals from all backgrounds and disciplines who work with students to share their knowledge and guide them through the season. Many Mentors and Coaches contribute on a weekly basis during the program season, or support the team with subject matter expertise on an as needed basis. Teams may have additional or more specialized roles or combine roles as needed. In addition, Mentors help students to embrace FIRST® LEGO® League Jr. and FIRST® LEGO® League Core Values.

Responsibilities:

East Side Lego Robotics League

  • Facilitates meetings and helps team to orchestrate the work
  • Assists the team in following Challenge instructions and guidelines
  • Administrative responsibilities such as registering teams and communications
  • Support the learning process, while allowing team members to make critical decisions through the building and poster development processes
  • Desire to work with students 9-16 years of age
  • Help the team set realistic goals
  • Relay all aspects of FIRST LEGO League guidelines and rules to the team, other Coaches, Volunteers and parents

Qualifications:

  • Experience working with underserved and underrepresented populations
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Highly motivated, works well independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality, especially regarding financial records
  • Ability to provide help, support and guidance to young people ages 9 – 16.
  • Experience in robotics or STEM curricula is strongly preferred.

CLICK HERE FOR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

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

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YOUTH WORKER

Position Type:             Part-time (20-25 hours per week)
Location:                     Saint Paul, MN
Travel Required:         Local (fewer than 25%)
Required Education:  BA in youth development, social work, education or related field.
Minimum Experience: 2 years’ experience or a combination of 6 years training and experience.

Description:

This member of the MCS Youth Program Team is responsible for planning, implementing and staffing programs for youth residing in East St. Paul, particularly those in programming at Merrick Community Services. This person coordinates activities in partnership with program staff and community partners to create high quality, meaningful, and enriching opportunities. They will also help implement an atmosphere that encourages respect, leadership, and achievement.

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
  • Research S.T.E.M. curriculum and construct activities that are based in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
  • Participate in the Youth Leadership Council’s meetings, outings, service learning projects, and help maintain partnerships in the community
  • Promote and encourage program participation through outreach and recruitment including tabling and other methods
  • Collect and maintain all required registrations, attendance, documentation and data evaluation.
  • Implement future youth programming based on best practices and Merrick’s strategic youth goals
  • Coordinate and manage partnership with Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church

Qualifications:

  • Experience working with underserved and underrepresented populations
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Highly motivated, works well independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality, especially regarding financial records
  • Ability to provide help, support and guidance to young people ages 6 – 18.
  • Experience in robotics or STEM curricula is strongly preferred.
    CLICK HERE FOR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

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

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RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT INTERN

Position Type:             Part-time (10-20 hours per week)
Location:                     Saint Paul, MN
Hourly Rate:                Unpaid
Travel Required:         Local (fewer than 25%)
Required Education:   Minimum, Must be Enrolled as Part or Full Time Student
Start Date:                   Open

Description:

The Resource Development Intern will work with the Director of Resource Development and Resource Development Assistant to support Merrick’s fundraising and communications operations. This internship position will assist with the planning and execution of fundraising events and initiatives, donor database management, and organizational communications. The position will also provide support for general resource development activities. Duties and responsibilities listed below are representative of the kind of assignments that can be expected. This is an unpaid internship that is directly supervised by the Director of Resource Development.

Responsibilities:

The Resource Development Intern will assist the Resource Development Team with the following responsibilities:

  1. Special Events
  • Mix and Mingle annual fall fundraiser
  • Compose attendee correspondence and track event RSVPs
  • Solicit and track silent auction item donation
  • Coordinate event logistics (catering, décor, etc.)
  • Communicate with Mix and Mingle Planning Committee and attend planning meetings
  • Support other fundraising and community outreach events/initiatives
  1. Donor Stewardship and Database Management
  • Draft correspondence, proposals and donor appeals
  • Produce and schedule gift acknowledgements, mailings, meeting preparations, and reports as needed
  • Conduct research on potential donors, strategic partners, markets and industries
  • Enter data into Merrick’s donor database
  • Other administrative tasks as assigned
  1. Communications and Marketing
  • Write concise, creative copy for website, social media, and newsletter
  • Design, produce and/or assemble marketing materials
  • Update social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube)
  • Perform research to find articles, stories, resources, or other content that is relevant to Merrick’s audience in order to post for user interaction
  • Perform analysis of communications statistics, as needed
  • Digital media projects as assigned
  1. Grant and Technical Writing
  • Grant prospecting, writing, and reporting
  • Prospect new funding avenues and seek out potential foundational opportunities
  • Draft press releases

Qualifications:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Highly motivated, works well independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to set and meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and manage time
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality, especially regarding financial records
  • Strong computer skills (experience with Microsoft Office Suite required, familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, and databases preferred)
    CLICK HERE FOR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

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

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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.