Caseworker Guide: Finding Resources

This guide explains how to search for and evaluate resources to match with your clients' needs.

What is the Resource Library?

The Resource Library is a centralized database of programs and services available to your clients. It includes:

  • Housing assistance programs
  • Food and nutrition services
  • Energy and utility assistance
  • Employment and training programs
  • Healthcare services
  • Transportation support
  • And many other support services

Accessing the Resource Library

  1. Log in to the CRM as a caseworker
  2. Click "Resources" in the main navigation sidebar
  3. You'll see the Resource Library page

Resource Categories

Resources are organized into categories:

🏠 Housing

  • Rental assistance programs
  • Emergency shelters
  • Transitional housing
  • Permanent supportive housing
  • Housing vouchers

🍽️ Food

  • Food banks and pantries
  • Meal programs
  • SNAP/WIC assistance
  • Nutrition programs

⚡ Energy

  • Utility assistance
  • Weatherization programs
  • Energy efficiency services
  • Crisis intervention

💼 Employment

  • Job training programs
  • Placement services
  • Career counseling
  • Skills development

🏥 Healthcare

  • Medical services
  • Mental health services
  • Substance abuse treatment
  • Health insurance assistance

🚌 Transportation

  • Bus passes
  • Ride services
  • Vehicle assistance
  • Transportation vouchers

📋 Other

  • Various support services
  • Legal assistance
  • Childcare
  • Education programs

Searching for Resources

Basic Search

  1. Use the search bar at the top
  2. Type keywords related to what you need:
    • Service type (e.g., "rental assistance")
    • Location (e.g., "Jackson County")
    • Organization name
  3. Press Enter or click Search
  4. Results will show matching resources

Advanced Filtering

Use filters to narrow your search:

  • Category - Filter by service type
  • Status - Active, Inactive, Full, Closed
  • Service Area - Geographic location
  • Eligibility - Requirements (income, age, etc.)
  • Availability - Ongoing, Slot-based, Funding-based, Seasonal

Sorting Results

Sort resources by:

  • Relevance - Best matches first
  • Name - Alphabetical order
  • Status - Active resources first
  • Recently Updated - Most recent changes

Evaluating Resources

Resource Details Page

Click on any resource to see full details:

Basic Information

  • Name - Program/service name
  • Category - Service type
  • Organization - Provider organization
  • Status - Current availability

Service Details

  • Description - What the service provides
  • Eligibility Requirements - Who qualifies
  • Service Area - Geographic coverage
  • Availability - How to access

Contact Information

  • Phone - Contact number
  • Email - Email address
  • Address - Physical location
  • Website - Online information

Additional Information

  • Hours - Operating hours
  • Application Process - How to apply
  • Required Documents - What clients need
  • Notes - Additional important information

Matching Resources to Clients

Step 1: Identify Client Needs

Review the client's:

  • Immediate needs (from intake form)
  • Priority level
  • Household composition
  • Geographic location
  • Eligibility factors

Step 2: Search for Resources

  1. Use search and filters to find relevant resources
  2. Consider multiple options
  3. Review eligibility requirements carefully

Step 3: Evaluate Fit

For each potential resource, check:

  • ✅ Eligibility - Does client meet requirements?
  • ✅ Service Area - Is client in the service area?
  • ✅ Availability - Is the resource currently available?
  • ✅ Timeline - Does it meet client's urgency needs?
  • ✅ Location - Can client access the service?

Step 4: Compare Options

If multiple resources match:

  • Compare eligibility requirements
  • Consider client preferences
  • Check availability and wait times
  • Review application processes
  • Consider backup options

Best Practices

Before Searching

  1. Know Your Client - Review their intake and needs
  2. Understand Requirements - Know what eligibility means
  3. Have Context - Understand urgency and timeline

While Searching

  1. Be Specific - Use detailed search terms
  2. Use Filters - Narrow results effectively
  3. Read Carefully - Review all resource details
  4. Take Notes - Document promising options

After Finding Resources

  1. Verify Eligibility - Double-check requirements
  2. Contact if Needed - Call to confirm availability
  3. Prepare Client - Explain what to expect
  4. Create Referral - Submit through the system

Common Scenarios

Client Needs Multiple Services

  1. Search for each service category separately
  2. Create a list of potential resources for each need
  3. Prioritize based on urgency
  4. Create referrals in priority order

Resource is Full or Closed

  1. Check for waitlist options
  2. Look for similar resources
  3. Note when resource might reopen
  4. Set a reminder to check back

Eligibility Unclear

  1. Review resource details carefully
  2. Contact provider directly to clarify
  3. Document the conversation
  4. Consider if client can meet requirements with support

No Resources Found

  1. Try broader search terms
  2. Check adjacent service areas
  3. Look in "Other" category
  4. Contact resource coordinator for assistance

Tips for Success

  • Save Favorites - Bookmark frequently used resources
  • Stay Updated - Resources change, check regularly
  • Build Knowledge - Learn about local resources
  • Network - Connect with other caseworkers
  • Document - Keep notes on resource experiences

Related Guides

Need Help Finding Resources? Contact your resource coordinator or supervisor for assistance.