Part Time Community and Family Services Associate

Job title: Part Time Community and Family Services Associate

Job description: Description

The Community and Family Services Associate provides assistance to individuals and families who are seeking aid and assistance from, or have been referred to, The Salvation Army. This position provides support to the Food Bank Program and other programs provided by Community and Family services. The Community and Family Services Associate provides a high impact case management approach for specific client households. This approach focuses on identifying and addressing root causes for families living in poverty. They provide casework services through the Pathway of Hope (POH) approach utilizing a strengths-based approach to interview, assess, and formulate a plan of action to assist families in moving from crisis to stability

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

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.
• 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 in community meetings/client referrals as directed by supervisor.
• Assist in coordinating seasonal activities provided by the Community and Family 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, 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 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 the 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a permanent part-time position with 20 hours per week.
• 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 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.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.)
• Ability and willingness to provide a valid Safe Food Handlers Certification and First Aid/CPR Certification.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate preferred.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• 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 communications skills.
• Ability 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 Background Check with vulnerable sector 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.

In support of our commitment to a healthy and safe workplace and community, The Salvation Army (TSA) has a vaccination requirement for all employees in Canada. The successful candidate will be made an offer of employment on the condition of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be required to provide proof of full vaccination, prior to their employment start date. The requirement to be fully vaccinated is subject to provincial/territorial human rights legislation. If the candidate is unable to vaccinate for a reason protected by the Human Rights Code, a request for accommodation can be submitted and written proof satisfactory to TSA will be required.

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process. If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.

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