Full Time Community and Family Services Worker

Description

The Community & Family Services Worker assists individuals and families who are seeking aid and assistance from, or have been referred to, The Salvation Army.

This position also provides support to programs provided by the Yorkwoods Community and Family Services.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :

Client Services and Program

• Conduct intake interviews, client assessment and emergency assistance for clients to determine immediate needs and supports required.
• Refer clients to other community resources or Ministry Unit Leader for pastoral assistance where appropriate.
• Actively promote Yorkwoods Community Church and Community Services programs to clients.
• Assist with food bank operations, receiving, and recording of all non-monetary Food Bank donations, and stock storage area while keeping it organized and maintaining work area cleanliness.
• Ensure Food Bank shelves are stocked and always organized and kept in a professional manner.
• Assist with community ministries programs, ensuring ministry objectives are consistently accomplished and that a spiritual focus is applied to all program initiatives.
• Network with Salvation Army, government, and community social service providers to coordinate resources for the benefit of clients and program.
• Develop and maintain a good understanding of services provided by external agencies.
• Assist with the organization and delivery of Community and Family Services programs i.e. Christmas Kettles and Christmas Hamper Program, Christmas Toy Mountain, Coats for Kids, Backpacks for Kids etc.
• Work with other Family Services staff to maintain, promote, and improve the profile of The Salvation Army Yorkwoods Community Church and Community Services programs within the community.
• May direct and supervise volunteers which includes recruitment, selection, orientation, and training of volunteers working in reception, food bank and other family service functions.

Administration

• Maintain accurate, confidential records of client information on The Salvation Army’s computer system (such as Link2Feed) while maintaining confidentiality.
• Ensure vouchers are given within the guidelines provided and records kept in adherence to the budget and TSA policy.
• Prepare / provide statistical reports and monthly statistics as necessary for SAMIS reporting.
• Maximize utilization of all computerized management programs i.e., Link2Feed and / or external programs as necessary.
• Prepare and distribute brochures to organizations throughout the community promoting services.

Health and Safety

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s 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 full time based on 37.5 hours per week.
• Ability to lift / move up to 30 lbs. / 13.6078 kilograms.
• Working environment is typically in the office in generally agreeable conditions.
• The performance of this work requires reaching, bending, twisting, and stooping frequently, performing work in a standing and sitting position for long periods, unpacking deliveries, and computer keyboarding.
• Schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities some weekend and evening work may be required.
• Some travel up to 10% of time required with this position for picking up food etc.

Normal hours of work Monday to Thursday, 8 : 00 a.m. to 4 : 30 p.m. and Friday, 8 : 30 a.m. to 2 : 30 p.m. and includes a ½ hour unpaid meal break.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS :

• Completion of a Community College Diploma in Social Services work or equivalent.
• Current, valid Safe Food Handlers Certification or willing to obtain.
• Valid Ontario Class G Driver’s License, personal vehicle required and insurance, current copy of driver’s abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification and First Aid / CPR 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.
• Strong one to one counselling skills and experience.
• Knowledge of community-based resources is required and experience networking with government and social service agencies.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES :

• Proficient computer skills in all aspects of Microsoft Office.
• Ensure all clients are treated with dignity and respect.
• Ability to maintain information in confidence and exercise good judgement.
• Able to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member.
• Exhibit good listening skills, have strong oral / written communication skills and respect authority.
• Self-motivated / disciplined.
• Represent the organization in a positive, professional, and engaging manner.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrate a high level of integrity, good judgment, and ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality.
• Demonstrated patience and compassion to work with challenging and / or emotionally dependent individuals.
• Ability to learn, adapt, and utilize technology and processes quickly.
• Ability to prioritize, organize and manage multiple tasks; the ability to complete assignments and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Represent The Salvation Army in a professional, positive, and engaging manner.
• Treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.
• 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 search.

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.

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.