Community Services Worker

Join to apply for the Community Services Worker role at The Salvation Army in Canada

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.

Position

Position Purpose Summary The Community Services Worker role focuses on building trusting relationships with clients, acting as an ally and empowering the clients through connection and support. The role provides essential support to clients who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, poverty, or mental health challenges. Working predominantly as part of the Hope Links program, the Community Services Worker will monitor the Hope Links space, assisting clients, maintaining cleanliness, leading volunteers, ensuring best practice, and working to create an environment of connection and care. The Family Services worker may also be asked to assist in the food bank space in case of absence.

Accountabilities

Programming

• Conduct intake interviews and client assessment for clients to determine immediate needs and supports required.
• Work with the Community Outreach Coordinator on complex client needs.
• Ensure the facility is tidy and clean, including cleaning the washrooms, showers, and laundry facility is tidy.
• Ensure that food supplies are adequately stocked on site.
• Assist with the Hope Links programs by monitoring the Hope Links space and assisting clients through providing support and connecting them with local resources.
• Monitor participant behavior within the HOPE Links program.
• Record pertinent client information concerning their client plan and progress in Link2Feed.
• Develop trusting relationships, provide support, assistance, and encouragement to clients, and respond to concerned citizen calls.
• Assist with Christmas programs and special events, etc.
• May assist with food bank operations, or intake responsibilities when needed.

Volunteers

• Support, assist, and train Community Services program volunteers ensuring that all divisional standards are followed.
• Oversee day-to-day volunteer activities.
• Demonstrate work methods, provide supervision and logistical guidance, and ensure that they work together to achieve the purpose of the organization and enhance the ministries of The Salvation Army.
• Monitor the performance of all volunteers to ensure high quality services are provided to our clients and other departments.
• Identify training requirements, make recommendations, and develop strategies and recommendations for volunteer development to the Community Outreach Coordinator.

Health and Safety

• Responsible for abiding by The Salvation Army’s Health & Safety Policies and Procedures and work in compliance with the Ontario Health & Safety Act and Regulations, use personal prescribed safety equipment and clothing as directed by the employer, report workplace hazards, dangers, injuries or illness, work in a manner as required by the employer, and report workplace injuries or illness.
• Adherence to all health and safety standards.
• Direct compliance with and follow all pertinent Food Safety guidelines.
• Assist with ensuring when on site, that the Food Bank is well organized, maintained and the general cleanliness and safety as recommended by Public Health etc.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as required.

Relationships

• Internal: Corps officer, supervisor, staff, volunteers, and clients.
• External: Community (donors, participants, community agencies).

Managerial/Technical Leadership

• This position reports directly to the Community and Family Services Director.
• Direct reports: N/A
• Provide in-scope supervision and advice to up to 6 volunteers, which may fluctuate from day to day and week to week throughout the year in various programs within established guidelines and operational requirements.
• This role is that of an independent worker and part of a team; generally, works alongside with those supervised.
• This role will receive work assignments from the Community Outreach Coordinator on an as needed basis as per operational requirements.

Financial And Materials Management

• Moderate material responsibilities (access to private information, supplies, some tools/equipment, and handouts).
• May use funds to purchase supplies for programs.

Working Conditions

• This is a regular part-time position based on 12 hours per week.
• Some flexibility in scheduling is required.
• The Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule.
• 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.
• Travel is associated with this position (5 to 10%); required to use a Salvation Army program vehicle when available.

Normal hours of work: As per operational requirements Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, between 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and includes ½ hour paid meal break where applicable.

Location: The main work location is at the HOPE Links Program Site: 295 Main St. E., Listowel ON. Occasional work may be required at the Food Bank: 326 main St. E., Listowel, ON.

Education, Qualifications And Certifications

• Completion of a Community College Diploma, Social Service Worker, counselling, or equivalent in a related field of study.
• Current, valid Standard First Aid and CPR Certification, Crisis Prevention Institute Certification and Safe Food Handlers Certification or willingness to obtain.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License, personal vehicle and insurance, current copy of driver’s abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.

Experience And Skilled Knowledge

• Minimum of two (2) years of prior related experience, including experience working with multi-barriered persons, individuals with mental health and addiction issues and a variety of social service programs.
• A working knowledge of mental health and addiction issues.
• Some experience with community programming in a church setting would be an asset.
• Some supervisory experience.
• Possess knowledge and understanding of local resources for Mental Health and Addictions services, housing, income support, and other support systems.
• Proficient in working in a computerized environment; must demonstrate strong skills using Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, and Power Point.

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.
• Attention to detail, problem solving, conflict resolution and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member in a cooperative team environment.
• Lead by example, by demonstrating a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and be flexible.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, integrity, and adaptability.
• Exhibit good listening skills, have strong oral/written communication skills.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics
• Ability to complete assignments and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• 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 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.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $18.99 to $23.73 with a maximum of $28.48. 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.

Location The main work location is at the HOPE Links Program Site: 295 Main St. E., Listowel ON; Occasional work may be required at the Food Bank: 326 main St. E., Listowel, ON.

Additional Information Seniority level: Entry level; Employment type: Part-time; Job function: Other; Industries: Non-profit Organization Management.