Emergency Disaster Services Social Services Assistant

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:

Position Purpose summary:

The EDS Social Services Assistant provides assistance and support to EDS Specialists and the Divisional Director of EDS for the operation of the local Emergency Disaster Services program according to divisional and territorial policies procedures and standards.

Accountabilities:

Service Responsibilities:

• ln cooperation with the EDS Specialists and the Divisional Director of EDS assist with the provision of 24-hour 7 days a week Emergency Disaster Services for the catchment area as situations and/or the Government MOU dictate.

• Assist with the organizing and delivery of training courses within the catchment area.

• Assist the EDS Specialists and the Divisional Director of EDS in ensuring that clients receive pastoral care emotional & spiritual support and referrals as needed.

• Assist the EDS Specialists and the Divisional Director of EDS in ensuring assistance is provided with respect to clients immediate material needs i.e. food water and clothing.

• Assist with maintaining and keeping in a state of readiness all vehicles and equipment assigned to the Emergency Disaster Services program.

• Assist with ensuring that designated operators of EDS assigned vehicles properly maintain the service units.

• Assist in the development of a response strategy (assisting with the preparation of EDS manuals and other relevant materials) that will reflect the different regions within the catchment area.

• May provide supervision and oversight to volunteers during a deployment when directed by the lncident Commander.

• Perform other position related duties as required

Organizational Responsibilities:

• Develop an understanding of the Mission of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities

• Maintain information in confidence as required

• Participate as an active and responsible team member

• Represent the organization in a professional and engaging manner and assist personnel whom the position supports in developing those skills as required

• Participate in supervision and regular performance reviews/evaluations as required.

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Armys health and safety policies and procedures.

• Ongoing training and certification in all Salvation Army Territorial EDS aspects is required.

• Treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.

• Participate in ongoing professional development and training

• Perform other position related duties as required

Accounting:

• Assist when required with the processing of invoices receipts and vehicle monthly charges in our financial management system

• Assist when required with the receipt and control for use of all gift cards

• Assist when required with providing photocopying and/or scanning services data entry and related tasks related to financial matters

• Perform other position related duties as required

Administration:

• Answer phone respond to general inquiries and transfers calls as necessary

• Open and distribute in-coming mail and processes out-going mail including materials of a confidential nature; receives parcel(s) and distributes to the appropriate person(s)

• Assist with maintenance of current fixed asset inventory supply inventory and orders and other related items as necessary

• Assists with the recruitment onboarding and engagement of EDS volunteers

• Assists with the completion of maintenance of and submission of reports forms and statistics as per EDS standards

• Perform other position related duties as required

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a fixed term summer student position ending September 1 2025. There are two positions available one located in Calgary and one located in Edmonton.

• Hours of work are 35 per week.

• Work environment is typically in an office warehouse or at work sites within residential settings and though not directly linked to duties of the role work site may provide exposure to the following disagreeable conditions:

  • Dealing with angry and abusive people

  • Exposure to bodily fluids bodily wastes

  • Exposure to drugs alcohol and solvents

  • Exposure to infectious diseases

  • Other dangerous situations

  • Sharp objects (i.e. needle sticks knives and weapons)

• Works in generally agreeable conditions but may encounter frequent interruptions and the need to multitask and work environment has equipment and general office noise (i.e: people talking phones ringing etc.)

• Warehouse work will involve possibility of cleaning and lifting objects up to 50 lbs

• Requires little to no travel

• Flexibility as participation in response meetings conferences and other events may involve long work days and/or evening/weekend work.

• During a disaster response incident this position may be asked to support (directly or indirectly) on-site disaster relief operations. This may include operating in hardship conditions where basic amenities such as power and water may not be readily available. Working conditions during a disaster response incident may be extremely hectic and stressful and involve extended hours.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

Education Qualifications and Certifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Valid Drivers Licence would be an asset; in order to drive work vehicles a valid license and a clean drivers abstract must be provided

• A Criminal Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army in its sole discretion is required

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• One year of prior related experience including experience dealing with office equipment and tools would be an asset

Skills and Capabilities:

• Attention to detail problem solving and analytical skills.

• Able and willing to complete assigned duties in a safe and efficient manner and able to lift up to 50lbs

• Demonstrated ability to work in stressful high-paced environments.

• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.

• Excellent oral written and interpersonal communication skills.

• Attentive listening skills.

• Demonstrated teamwork and leadership skills.

• Strong organization and administrative skills.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Ability to work with computers including Microsoft Word Power Point Excel and Databases

• Communicates well in person via e-mail or on the phone

• Willing to wear Salvation Army logo and branded wear

• Willing to adhere to Salvation Army policies procedures and principles

Compensation:

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 if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.