Community and Family Services Associate
Who We Are
For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.
Mission Statement
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.
Job Description:
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Client Services and Programs- Conduct initial intake application and screen clients for general emergency assistance, including food, clothing, household needs, referrals etc.
- Process clients through the food bank and record any food and/or gift card distributions.
- Assist with food bank operations - ordering and/or receipt of food donations, recording, general cleanliness; ensure the general principles of safe food handling are adhered to and oversee the organization of food in the pantry according to safe food handling policies and practices.
Job Description
- Work closely with other local ministry unit personnel to form an interdisciplinary team to work with families from a holistic perspective.
- Assist with community ministries programs and aid in ensuring that ministry objectives are consistently accomplished and that a spiritual aspect is applied to all program initiatives.
- May network with referral agencies and/or other community sources of assistance, as required.
- Participation at community meetings/client referrals as directed by supervisor.
- Assist in coordinating seasonal activities provided by the Community Services, i.e. Christmas Assistance Program, registration for Christmas Hampers, Toy Room, Summer Camp.
- Develop goal plans with Pathway Of Hope (POH) client families and schedule regular meetings to review progress and engage in further planning.
- For specific client households, perform all aspects of the case management process using the POH approach (selection, intake, assessment, goal planning, action, transition, and follow-up.)
- Maintain a POH Caseload of two to five participant files at a time.
- Provide information and referral services as needed for clients, which may also include individuals who are not eligible for support through POH; engage and build rapport with the target population.
- Assist POH clients in making connections within the community, which will support them in accessing community resources.
- Attend local and regional POH meetings and present up-to-date information on the status of cases.
- Attend training sessions that support the initial implementation phase and ongoing training for the sustained delivery of POH.
- Adhere to The Salvation Army Code of Ethics for Social Services Personnel.
Finance & Administration:
- Input data into Link2Feed; complete and submit all statistical reports in a timely manner
- Maintain confidentiality and keep accurate participant files and statistical records
- Periodically review program assistance guidelines with supervisor
- Conduct all administrative duties as outlined with due diligence
- Follow direction on compliance and adherence to Operating Policies and Procedures (i.e., gift cards, vouchers, etc.)
- Maintain case files for each POH family and accurate records of client information on the Link2Feed client database while providing statistical reports and maintaining confidentiality in accordance with The Salvation Army policy and applicable legislation.
- General administrative duties as required, such as answering phones, directing inquiries, etc.
Volunteer Support
- Oversee and support scheduled volunteers for food deliveries, stocking of shelves, food hamper packing, donation pickups, Christmas distribution; demonstrate work methods, and ensure they work together to achieve the purpose of the organization and enhance the ministries of The Salvation Army.
Health and Safety
- Adhere to all Health and Safety Standards and the specific requirements regarding COVID-19 as per the local Health Unit.
- Ensure the safety and comfort of the ministry unit by maintaining cleanliness and food safety etc.
- Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army's health and safety policies and procedures
- Perform other duties as required.
CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:
Governance Boards and Councils: None
Internal:
- Supervisor, staff, volunteers, and DHQ Regional POH Coordinator
External:
- Clients and their families, government agencies and local community support services
MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY:
- Reports directly to: Community Services Coordinator
- This role works independently within a team
FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:
N/A
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Schedule to be set by the supervisor. Flexibility in scheduling is required; some weekend and evening work may be required.
- The working schedule will be changed during the Christmas campaign with the addition of hours.
- This job requires reaching, bending, and stooping frequently, working in a standing position for periods of time.
- Ability to lift/move 20 to 29 lbs.
- May be exposed to disagreeable people, including the occasional angry and/or abusive client/public, working with people from all walks of life and backgrounds
Normal work schedule - The Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule (Monday to Friday) and shifts include a ½ hour unpaid meal break.
The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army's Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, SKILLS:
Education, Qualifications, and Certifications:
- Completion of a two (2) year Community College Diploma in a human service field, i.e., Social Services Worker, Community Worker, Developmental Services Worker, Therapeutic Recreation, Child, and Youth Worker.
- A University Degree in a relevant field of study would be a definite asset, i.e., Bachelor of Social Work, or Bachelor of Arts in a social services field such as Psychology, Sociology, etc.)
- NOTE: Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered
Experience and Knowledge Requirements:
- Minimum of two (2) years of prior related experience in providing casework services, documenting and maintaining case files, working collaboratively with other service providers, community outreach, and working with people of diverse backgrounds.
- Knowledge of community-based resources is required, and experience networking with government and social service agencies.
- Have a keen interest in the social services sector and possess a genuine concern for and interest in the marginalized of society.
Skills and Capabilities:
- Attention to detail, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member in a cooperative team environment.
- Proficient computer skills in all aspects of Microsoft Office
- High standards of integrity; demonstrated ability to use sound judgment when making decisions, ensuring confidentiality and an ability to model the values of The Salvation Army.
- Self-motivated - Able to plan work activities and priorities associated with each client.
- Driven - Advocates, supports, and motivates clients.
- Relationship building - Demonstrated ability to build positive, productive, and supportive relationships with the community, corps members, clients, and other staff while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Team - Respects and relies on a TEAM approach in supporting the client.
- Problem solving - Creates action plans to help break down barriers to achieving client goals
- Client-centered - Willingness to listen and learn from each client with compassion and dignity
- Organizational commitment - Understanding and ability to uphold the ethical and social norms of the organization.
- Communication - strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully t hat are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Vulnerable Sector search as required.
- Ability and willingness to provide a valid Safe Food Handlers Certification and First Aid/CPR Certification.
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate preferred.
- Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
Compensation:
The target hiring range for this position is $20.25 to $25.31 with a maximum of $30.37.Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.
The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.