Community & Family Services Worker

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 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 Community & Family Services Worker assists individuals and families who are seeking aid and assistance from or have been referred to The Salvation Army Owen Sound CC. This position also provides support to other programs provided by the Community and Family Services.

Accountabilities:

Client Services and Programs

• Conduct initial intake application and screen clients for general emergency assistance including food clothing household needs referrals etc.

• Ensure that the facility is tidy and clean adequate stock levels sort and process donated goods and process clients through programs.

• Assist with food bank operations ordering and/or receipt of food donations recording general cleanliness organization.

• Under the direction of the Community and Family Services Manager assist with new and existing program and service provisions in the community.

• Network with referral agencies and/or other community sources as required.

• May participate in community meetings/client referrals as directed by supervisor.

• May assist support and where applicable participate in annual fundraisers and seasonal programing provided by the Community and Family Services i.e Christmas Hampers Christmas Kettles Camp Programs; aid with other programs as required.

• Refer clients for pastoral support as required.

Supervision

• Provide direction and support to all family services volunteers ensuring that they work together to achieve the purpose of the organization and enhance the ministries of The Salvation Army.

• May assist in the development of strategies and recommendations for volunteer development.

• ln consultation with the Supervisor may organize regular meetings with volunteers.

Finance & Administration

• Ensure that Ministry Unit policies procedures and compliance requirements are followed for the safe/secure handling of all monetary donations received and appropriate documentation of gift cards and various vouchers is maintained i.e. clothing vouchers.

• Maintain written records logs of activities including activity reports and statistical information.

• General administrative duties as required such as answering phones directing inquiries etc.

• Periodically review program assistance guidelines with supervisor.

• Maintain accurate records of client information in Link2Feed and on The Salvation Armys computer system while maintaining confidentiality.

• Follow direction on the compliance and adherence to Operating Policies and Procedures (i.e. gift cards vouchers etc.).

Vehicle/Maintenance

• Assist in maintaining safety maintenance operation of program vehicle and records of the vehicle; work in compliance with CVOR regulations.

• Perform circle checks of the vehicle and maintain vehicle logs; fuel the vehicle as necessary and ensure that the vehicle is always kept clean and presentable.

• Report any vehicle mechanical failures or concerns to the Family Services Manager or designate in a timely manner.

• Complete and maintain an accurate drivers log.

• Maintain knowledge of legislative and company policies such as Health and Safety Regulations provincial and Municipal Highway traffic acts.

Health and Safety

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

• Ensure the safety and comfort of the ministry unit by maintaining cleanliness and food safety etc.

Perform other related duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a permanent part-time position based on 22.5 hours per week.

• Flexibility in scheduling is required some weekend and evening work may be required.

• The Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule.

• Working environment is typically in the office in generally agreeable conditions.

• This job requires reaching bending and stooping frequently working in a sitting and standing position for periods of time.

• Dealing with difficult people and verbal abuse.

• Ability to lift/move 30 - 39 pounds.

• Some travel up to 10% of the time is required for picking up Christmas kettles donations and/or food etc. Required to use the program vehicle when available.

Normal hours of work: Scheduled as per hours of operation Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:5:00p.m. This includes a ½ hour unpaid meal break where applicable. The hours of work and hours of operation are subject to review as required.

Please Note: There will be a seasonal temporary increase in hours to a maximum of 40 hours per week during the months of November and December and includes a ½ hour unpaid meal break where applicable.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Armys Mission Vision and Values in a professional manner upholding our code of conduct.

education and experience Qualifications:

Education Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of a Community College Diploma Social Service Worker counselling or equivalent in a related field of study.

• Current valid Safe Food Handlers Certification or willingness to obtain.

• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification preferred.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge

• Minimum of two (2) years of prior related experience including experience working with multi-barriered persons with mental health issues

• Knowledge of community-based resources and experience networking with government and social service agencies.

• Valid Ontario Class G Drivers License own vehicle and insurance and provide an original copy of current drivers abstract for review and verification that it satisfactory to The Salvation Army in its sole discretion is required.

Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Self-motivated and disciplined.

• Ensure all clients are treated with dignity and respect.

• Proficient computer skills in all aspects of Microsoft Office.

• Ability to exercise diplomacy tact and compassion.

• Represent the organization in a professional and engaging manner.

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

• Demonstrated patience and compassion to work with challenging and/or emotionally dependent individuals.

• Ability to prioritize organize and manage multiple tasks; the ability to complete assignments and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

• Exhibit good listening skills and strong oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills integrity and adaptability.

• Demonstrate a high level of integrity good judgment and ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality.

• A willingness to learn and be flexible.

• Attention to detail problem solving and analytical skills.

• Ability and willingness to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army in its sole discretion (i.e. The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a criminal background check screening.

• 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:

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.