Remote Caseworker

At National Zakat Foundation, our mission is to provide the Muslim community with an end-to-end Zakat service, encompassing: Education, Calculation, Collection & Distribution. NZF aims to help fulfill the goal of this vital third pillar of Islam, which is to eliminate poverty and destitution, as well as empower the needy within the Muslim community._

**Reports to**

Casework Supervisor

**Location**

Remote (Must reside in GTA)

**Job Status**

9 week Summer Intern Contract (30 hours/week)

The Caseworker is responsible for administrating and processing all assigned cases for the purpose of providing financial assistance through Zakat funds. The Caseworker will act as a mediator between the client and National Zakat Foundation and advocate on behalf of the client during the process. The Caseworker will work individually and with the team to ensure the goals of the organization - particularly Zakat Distribution - are being met within the guidelines of Islamic Jurisprudence.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**Case Processing/Administration**
**Intake**
- Conduct a detailed intake interview over the phone or in-person if needed, to understand the financial and living situation of the client
- Upload and organize client files in the appropriate folders on the cloud.
- Complete Client Profile form in CRM
- Inform the client of eligibility for Zakat funds through NZF

**Assessment**
- Prepare assessment on ZOHO, listing all income and expenses
- Discuss findings with client to confirm the information and customize recommendations for the panel
- Create a plan for short term casework; 1-3 months
- Offer encouragement to applicants once final decision is made

**Panel**
- Organize and prepare case summary for Panel analysis (2 per week)
- Vouch for client needs and advocate on behalf of the client in their absence
- Discuss alternative options if panel is not in agreement with the presented recommendations

**Recommendation/Referrals**
- Record final panel decision in CRM
- Convey final decision, recommendation, short term and long term plans to the client
- Refer clients to other products, or services that may be of support to their situation such as credit management or counselling services.

**Distribution**
- Fill out the Disbursement Request Form once a decision is final
- Review Disbursement Tracker for status updates

**Close Case**
- Close the case file on CRM once disbursement is received by the client, and enter notes as applicable

**Outreach**
- Participate in NZF events during and outside of regular work hours (evenings/weekends)
- Connect with external organizations and Masjids for outreach purposes
- Assist in Zakat collections and distribution of NZF materials (online and offline) before and during the month of Ramadan

**Ad Hoc**
- Meet with clients (in escalated or emergency situations) to assess their progress, give support and discuss obstacles,
- Attend team and personalized trainings as scheduled

**Competencies**
- Positive Attitude
- Reliability
- Quality
- Commitment
- Continuous Improvement
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Resourcefulness
- Respect
- Trust

**Qualifications/Experiences**:

- Good understanding of bank/credit card statements
- Excellent communication skills, in person and on the phone
- Intermediate or Excellent knowledge of Zakat is required
- Completion of a college or university program in social work, psychology, or health-related discipline is an asset
- Previous work or volunteer experience in a social service environment is an asset
- Previous experience with conducting personal financial assessments
- Demonstrated case management and referral skills

**Eligibility**
- ** Must be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment**:

- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the _Immigration and Refugee Protection Act_ for the duration of the employment**; and,
- Must have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
- As per section 13.1(a) of the Articles of Agreement, youth hired for a Canada Summer Jobs-funded job cannot displace or replace existing employees or volunteers, employees that have been laid-off and are awaiting recall, employees absent due to an industrial dispute, employees on vacation, or employees on maternity or parental leave.
- National Zakat Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to complying with the Ontario Human Rights Act and AODA._