Temporary Full Time Community & 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 the Food Bank Program and other programs provided by the Collingwood 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 Corps Officer for pastoral assistance where appropriate.
• Actively promote Collingwood Community Church and Community & Family Services programs to food bank clients.
• Responsible for overall food bank operations advising supervisor of food shortages, receiving, and recording all non-monetary Food Bank donations, maintaining work area for cleanliness and organization.
• Ensure Food Bank shelves are stocked and always organized and kept in a professional manner.
• Receive Food Bank deliveries and stock storage area while keeping it organized and clean.
• Breakdown boxes and dispose properly after deliveries made to any CFS programs.
• Give oversight to 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.
• Organize season or special programs i.e. Christmas Hamper Program, Coats for Kids, Backpacks for Kids etc.
• Assist with the organization and delivery of seasonal programs, i.e. Christmas Kettles.
• Develop and maintain volunteer base to assist with delivery of CFS programs in coordination with the Corps Officer.
• Oversee and complete appropriate reporting for community-based grants.
• Work with other Family Services staff to maintain, promote and improve the profile of The Salvation Army Collingwood Community Church and Community & Family Services programs within the community.

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.
• Recruitment, orientation, performance management of volunteers in consultation with Corps Officer or designate.
• Develop strategies and recommendations for volunteer development.
• In consultation with the supervisor may organize regular meetings with volunteers.

Financial and 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 by the Corps Officer and records kept in adherence to the budget.
• 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 county promoting services.
• Assist the Corps Officer with ongoing strategic planning to ensure programming reflects client need as these may evolve in our changing socioeconomic climate.
• Periodically review assistance guidelines with Corps Officer.
• Participate in the development and implementation of policies and procedures for Community Family Services.
• May provide input to CFS Coordinator with regards to operational budget managed by DHQ Finance.

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 position related duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

• This is a 6-month temporary full-time position based on 35 hours per week.
• Ability to lift / move up to 20 lbs. / 10 kilograms.
• Working environment is typically in the office in generally agreeable conditions.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS :

• Completion of a Community College Diploma in Social Services work or equivalent.
• Safe Food Handlers Certification or willing to obtain.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license, current copy of driver’s abstract for review and verification that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Be able to work effectively with economically disadvantaged people.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team with supervision in a multi-faceted environment.
• 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.