Charlotte Jewish News August 2021
By Julie Loftis

According to Howard Olshansky, executive director for JFS, “We had no idea what to expect with a virtual event. We are so moved that once again our community opened their hearts, and the event raised over $90,000 to support our services.” 

A special thank you to our major sponsors, Kim and Adam Levy, Izzy’s Catering, Gary and Jodi Michel and Pinnacle Bank; to our event co-chairs, Andrea Cronson and Adina Loewensteiner; and to the many others who donated their time, talents, and gifts. Sponsors were treated to a special virtual meet and greet with Heffron and a delicious meal catered by Best Impressions and delivered by volunteers.

Next month JFS kicks off its Family to Family Annual Campaign, accounting for close to a quarter of the total annual budget. The Family to Family Campaign will focus on “Reimagining a Stronger Community.” Members of our community have exhibited resilience throughout the pandemic, with a renewed sense of energy, hope, and possibility.

Partnering with our community, JFS has responded to the changing environment, breaking down old barriers and gaining stride and momentum in the aftermath of the pandemic, through the use of telehealth services and online presentations and workshops to name a few. The monies raised from Live, Laugh, Give and the Family to Family Campaign, along with tributes and generous donations throughout the year, will help ensure JFS continues to provide the support our community has come to depend on. JFS has been instrumental in responding to our community’s needs, especially during the pandemic.

During the pandemic, JFS was able to implement its continuum of services as an “agency without walls,” responding to an increase in needs and providing support to our community traumatized by the impact of the pandemic. During this time:

• JFS distributed almost $20,000 to those financially impacted by the pandemic for things like rent, mortgage and utilities.
• JFS distributed more than 400 holiday gift bags to seniors and pantry clients, including those delivered by volunteers to individuals that were isolated during quarantine.
• JFS met the needs of individuals with food insecurity with more than a 50% increase in pantry services.
• JFS provided more than 16 virtual programs to seniors, keeping them engaged and connected to the community
• JFS provided 24 workshops to help our community manage stress, anxiety and parenting issues.

According to Fran, a JFS client, “I’ve been a top producer in sales. It was the first time I ever interviewed for jobs and couldn’t get the job. I had to decrease my living expenses. I couldn’t pay my rent. I couldn’t even afford food. I got to the point where I was going to be homeless. It was really scary.” She emailed JFS one evening and the next morning received a return phone call. “I was crying and she assured me, ‘Don’t worry, we are here for you.’”

Fran is now in a much better place than she was when she got that first call from JFS. “I want to give a special thanks to my therapist. I’m really happy now. Very happy and very grateful.”

Of JFS’s role in the community Howard Olshansky, JFS executive director, said, “Many people think of our work as a food pantry, providing mental health services, and supporting seniors. There are a lot of folks who don’t realize the full extent of the needs that we’re meeting in our community for all ages, including caregiver education and support, Holocaust survivor services, emergency financial assistance, parenting support, and domestic violence services.”

Live, Laugh, Give exceeded expectations as a virtual event, a success not possible without the support of our community. “Reimagining a Stronger Community” Family to Family Campaign will launch in September with more information to come. Donating to this campaign, and throughout the year, is an opportunity for families to make a real difference in the lives of other families in our community. If you are interested in donating funds, contributing to the food pantry or volunteering your time, please visit our website at www. JFSCharlotte.org for more information.

Job Title: Senior Engagement Specialist/Case Manager
Programs: All JFS Programs
Population Served: Adults and Older Adults
FSLA Status: Full Time Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Engagement Specialist/Case Manager is responsible for assisting with program development, care management, information and referral and outreach services to Adults and Senior Adults. The Senior Engagement Specialist/Case Manager reports to the Senior Engagement Manager.

Employment Classification:
The Senior Engagement Specialist/Case Manager is a full-time exempt position.

Duties/Responsibilities:
Individualized Senior Engagement and Case Management Services, which may include 

• Conduct case management assessments to determine the financial, housing, medical, emotional, and physical needs of adults/families, senior clients and caregivers.
• Work with clients to create customized case management “Life Plans” to reflect goals, desired outcomes and target areas for resources and referrals.
• Provide ongoing case management services to evaluate and reassess client progress on “Life Plans” with short and long-term goals and make modifications to these as necessary.
• Refer clients to appropriate community resources and advocate for or assist the client in obtaining such services.
• Submit timely documentation and maintain accurate, complete case management documentation of all services and client related activities.
• Establish and maintain close working relationship with clients, caregivers/families, and other community professionals.
• Ensures that community resource information is kept updated and that staff is kept informed.
• Coordinates services with other JFS staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Community Outreach Services

• Assists in the planning and implementation of programming, educational and socialization groups, and outreach efforts to seniors living independently in the community.
• Work with partner organizations in the community to identify senior clients in need of services and connecting senior clients to local supportive services.
• Educates the community on aging issues and resources to establish JFS as the Jewish community’s resource for the aging community.
• Promotes JFS at various professional and community settings as it relates to senior services.
• Assists in maintaining community contacts and relationships to maximize use of community resources.
• Represents JFS at organizational or community meetings as it relates to services for seniors.
• Assists in the Coordination and/or implementation of workshops and lecture series geared at issues facing senior adults and caregivers.
• Collaborate with community partners in implementing Senior specific programs.

Admin and Strategic

• Performs basic administrative tasks such as record keeping, charts managements, and statistics related to performance and productivity of programs and services on a monthly basis.
• Assist the Senior Engagement Manager to meet outcomes and benchmarks for success of senior services.
• Collaborates and assists the Senior Engagement Manager, Director of Programs and Services, and Executive Director in assessing the needs of seniors in the community.

Knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge of issues impacting older adults.
• Ability to identify and access resources for Adults, Families and Senior Adults in the greater Charlotte community.
• Understands service delivery trending in the aging community.
• Comfort level and ability to speak and present in public.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to plan, implement, and coordinate programs.
• Ability to use basic computer software programs such as Microsoft word, outlook and data entry.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in the Social Services. At least two years of experience working with the Senior Adult population preferred.

To apply for this position, please email resume to:  info@jfscharlotte.org 

JOB TITLE: Client Services Specialist 
PROGRAMS: All JFS Programs 
POPULATION SERVED: Jewish Community 
FSLA STATUS: Non-Exempt 

DEFINITION: 

The Client Services Specialist is responsible for providing administrative client services including, client appointment scheduling, client files, billing and administrative support for agency programs. The position serves as a back-up to the Administrative Services Specialist. 

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Counseling Program Related Responsibilities 

• Greet, check-in and assist clients and guests. 
• Collect all fees and payments for services rendered, as applicable. 
• Assemble and organize client files. 
• Responsible for all new client calls and paperwork 
• Verification/entry of insurance benefits into client record 
• Set sliding fee reduction and record appropriately 
• Create fee agreements 
• Contact clients and review benefits 
• Schedule client appointments including initial appointments. 
• Determine daily client fees for collection at appointment. 
• Enter information in client database system. 
• Update annual client paperwork and any client addendums throughout the year 
• Distribute surveys and scales to clients at appropriate intervals 
• Correspondence with commercial insurance companies. 
• Ensure all pay sources are entered into the client database and fee schedules are up to date 
• Post all payments into the client database. 
• Research unbilled revenue and unpaid claims 
• Gather, verify and submit all claims for eprocessing via the client database. 
• Assist with reconciling billing to account receivables. 
• Generate and mail all invoices as needed. 
• Review aging reports for prompt payment. 
• Prepare and report monthly billing reports to the Administrative Services Manager. 
• Work with Client Services Manager to prepare client data reports 
• Agency liaison on HIPAA compliance and training 
• Assist in creating and/or updating office processes/procedures pertaining to client services 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

General Office Responsibilities 

• Open and/or close office 
• Insure all reception duties are covered and handled appropriately and effectively during the business day. 
• Answer multiple phone lines and direct calls to appropriate staff or refer to agencies in the community 
• Provide administrative back-up to the Administrative Support Specialist 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: 

• Professional demeanor and appearance. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to answer a multi-line phone system. 
• Exceptional computer skills, including strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and database management. 
• Ability to positively interact with all levels of management, community leaders, staff, clients, and donors. 
• Confidence working in a fast-paced, challenging office environment. 
• Excellent customer service skills. 
• Must be organized, efficient, and capable of multi-tasking, detail-oriented and self-motivated. 
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with others in a team environment. 
• Program development and implementation. 
• Experience or trained in insurance billing. 

Jewish Family Services reserves the right to change job duties at any time and this job description is not designed to cover every requirement of the job. 

To apply for this position, please email resume to:  info@jfscharlotte.org 

JOB TITLE: Marketing Specialist 

PROGRAMS: All JFS Programs 

FSLA STATUS: Non-Exempt; Part-Time 

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Marketing Specialist is responsible for assisting the organization in promoting its mission and programs through marketing and media strategies. The position reports to the Executive Director. 

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Create marketing materials, i.e. flyers, banners, posters, etc. to promote individual programs 
• Create organizational collateral materials 
• Work with Executive Director and Board of Directors to create plan to promote the organization and its program and services 
• Work with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop and implement a media plan 
• Work with the staff in organizing schedule for promotional materials throughout Shalom Park 
• Oversee web-site management 
• Facilitate public communication, i.e. professional and social media 
• Create criteria and oversee results of marketing efforts 

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing preferred or combination of education and experience. 
• At least two years of experience in the Marketing field 
• Experience working with non-profit organizations preferred 
• Excellent customer service skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to create promotional materials
• Experience working with collateral material design software programs
• Ability to positively interact with all levels of management, community leaders, staff, clients, and donors
• Knowledge of strategies for engaging media
• Knowledge of the Jewish community preferred

   

  Jewish Family Services reserves the right to change job duties at any time and this job description is not designed to cover every requirement of the job. 

  Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time. Must be able to stand for periods of time at events and lift and transport up to 20 pounds.

To apply for this position, please email resume to:  info@jfscharlotte.org 

Job Title: JFS Community Clinical Therapist 
Programs: All JFS Programs
Population Served: Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Families 
FSLA Status: Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Clinical Therapist, under the direction and supervision of the Director of Programs and Services, is responsible for the delivery and coordination of therapeutic services to clients enrolled in Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte, Inc.  The Therapist is responsible for all functions related to managing, supporting, and facilitating appropriate services to meet the needs of clients and families. The Therapist is also responsible for program development, care management, information, referral, and outreach services to the JFS United Way Impact Grant Program.

Employment Classification:
The Clinical Therapist is a non- exempt full-time position. 

Duties/Responsibilities:

Community Engagement, Direct Clinical and Case Management Services 

• Provide individual, group, family therapy, and care coordination for clients.
• Conduct therapy assessments to determine the appropriate treatment needs of the clients and families, evaluate, and assess ongoing treatment needs.
• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate therapy treatment planning to include formulation, reviews, and re-formulations as directed. 
• Provide on-going therapy in the most appropriate setting to meet the clients’ needs, i.e. office, home or community setting.
• Coordinate services with other JFS staff.
• Develop and implement crisis stabilization plans with client, as needed.
• Conduct case management assessments to determine the financial, housing, medical, emotional, and physical needs of clients and families. 
• Develop and implement short-term and long-term goals with case management clients, with the goal of long-term resolutions and self-sufficiency. 
• Work with partner organizations, particularly in the Pineville community to identify clients in need of services and connecting clients to local supportive services
• Assist client in identifying both formal and informal community resources and support systems based on client needs.
• Refer clients to appropriate community resources and advocate for or assist the client in obtaining such services. 
• Attend appropriate community meetings as they relate to the needs of clientele. 
• Participate in on-call rotation as clinical therapist for JFS.
• Submit timely documentation and maintain accurate, complete clinical and case management documentation of all assessments, services, interventions, treatment plans, and client related activities, and prepare statistical data and reports as requested.
• Maintain strict adherence to the standards and guidelines of all state and private Insurance Panels.
• Participate in all assigned staff and supervisory meetings as well as in service trainings and staff development activities.
• Provide Quality Assurance of clinical documentation and chart auditing for compliance purposes.
• Ensures that community resource information is kept updated and that staff is kept informed.
• Maintain compliance with professional licensing requirements, i.e. training and license renewal.
• Maintains community contacts and relationships to maximize use of community resources.
• Represents JFS at organizational or community meetings as needed.
• Collaborate with community partners in implementing programs.
• Other duties as they relate to furthering the mission of Jewish Family Services.

Knowledge of:

• NASW Code of Ethics and Best Practices
• Bio-psychosocial approach to evaluating individuals and families.
• Expanded principles of psychology, social work, juvenile justice, and other social sciences.
• Mental Health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Crisis Intervention and management.
• Needs Assessment techniques and strategies.
• Problem solving and conflict-resolution.
• Insurance documentation standards and guidelines.
• Individual, Group, Couples, and Family Therapy.

Demonstrated Skills:

• Adheres to NASW Code of Ethics in all practices.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and boundaries with client/families, staff and community agencies.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct clinical and program activities.
• Use effective time management skills to complete required job duties.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate program and client goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduate of an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in a Clinical Field. Two years of verified, full-time, post-graduate accumulated MH/DD/SA experience providing direct service to the population served. NC State licensure as LCSW preferred. Other Master’s level licensed professionals may be considered based on acceptance from insurance payers. Bi-linqual in English/Spanish preferred. 

JOB TITLE:  Case Manager/Program Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:     

The Case Manager/Program Specialist is responsible for providing case management services, assisting with program development, assisting with the operations of the JFS Food Pantry, and providing information and referral and outreach services to JFS clients. They report to the Director of Programs and Services.

Employment Classification:

The Case Manager/Program Specialist is a non- exempt part time position.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Individualized Case Management Services, which may include                                                           

• Conduct case management assessments to determine the financial, housing, medical, emotional, and physical needs of clients and families.
• Develop and implement short-term and long-term goals with case management clients, with the goal of long-term resolutions and self-sufficiency.
• Provide ongoing case management services to evaluate and reassess client and family progress with short and long-term goals and make modifications to these as necessary.
• Refer clients to appropriate community resources and advocate for or assist the client in obtaining such services.
• Submit timely documentation and maintain accurate, complete case management documentation of all services and client related activities.
• Establish and maintain close working relationship with clients, families, and other community professionals.
• Ensures that community resource information is kept updated and that staff is kept informed.
• Other duties as they relate to furthering the mission of Jewish Family Services.

Program Services, which may include:                                                                          

• Assists in the planning and implementation of programming, educational and socialization groups, and outreach efforts to Jewish Family Services stakeholders.
• Assists in operations of the JFS Food Pantry
• Collaborate with community partners in implementing programs

Admin and Strategic                                                                                                                    

• Performs basic administrative tasks such as record keeping, charts management, and statistics related to performance and productivity of programs and services on a monthly basis.
• Documents client services in the electronic data base.

Knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge or willingness to learn about Jewish culture and values.
• Ability to identify and access resources for JFS clients in the greater Charlotte community.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to use basic computer software programs such as Microsoft word, outlook and data entry.

Minimum Qualifications: 

A Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in the Social Services. At least two years of experience working in social services field preferred.

Please send resume to info@jfscharlotte.org