Full Time Community and Family Services Worker

The Community and Family Services Worker provides assistance to the Community and Family Services for the Journey to Life Centre in supporting individuals and families who are seeking aid and assistance from, or have been referred to, The Salvation Army.

General

• Conduct initial intake application and assessment and screen clients for emergency financial assistance including food, clothing and household needs.
• Provide a listening and empathetic ear to clients on admission and throughout their service program.
• Responsible for the following, ordering and/or receipt of food donations, recording, general cleanliness, organization, health and safety.
• Network and refer to The Salvation Army, government, and community social service providers to coordinate resources for the benefit of clients and program when necessary.
• Coordinate/organize annual donation and fundraising efforts and/or special or seasonal programs i.e. Food Drives, Donation Drives, Toy Distribution, Summer Camps, Community Dinners, Breakfast Program, Red Cap etc. as needed.
• Plan, prepare, purchase food supplies and serve nutritious meals for programs.
• Assist with evaluating school programs.
• Form partnerships with staff/social workers in the schools.
• Collect information, data, and research material, promote or enhance, and develop and implement lesson plans for Red Cap Program.
• Submit volunteer and program statistics in a timely manner on a monthly basis.
• Organize and purchase gifts/hampers for school families, according to business sponsorships received during the Christmas season.
• Document and indicate to supervisor any issues or concerns with regards to participants, volunteers and community.
• Work within established budget.
• Report to management and school staff when applicable any safety issues as they arise.
• Maintain accurate records of client information on The Salvation Army's computer system while maintaining confidentiality and providing statistical reports.
• May develop and conduct workshops for clients/families, as appropriate.
• Participate in other programs provided by the Community and Family Services.
• Develop and maintain a good understanding of services provided by external agencies.
• Organize, schedule, supervise and demonstrate work methods to volunteers and students.
• Perform other position related duties as required.

Organizational Responsibilities:

• Develop an understanding of the Mission of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Maintain information in confidence as required.
• Participate as an active and responsible team member in all work groups through which position responsibilities are achieved.
• Participate in probationary and annual performance appraisal process.
• Represent the organization in a professional and engaging manner and assist personnel whom the position supports in developing those skills as required.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army's health and safety policies and procedures.
• Treat the property of The Salvation Army with due care and caution.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.

Working Conditions:

• This position is permanent full time based on 37.5 hours.
• Schedule will vary according to requirements of responsibilities - some weekend and evening work may be required.
• Some flexibility in scheduling is required to meet the needs of the program.
• Supervisor will set the work schedule and hours of work.
• Required to wear a name tag supplied by employer when on duty.

Normal hours of work: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 3:30pm with ½ hour unpaid meal break.

Normal location of work:545 North Cumberland St. Thunder Bay, ON

• Completion of a Community College Diploma in Social Services work or equivalent.
• Safe Food Handling Certification, or willingness to obtain.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training, or willingness to obtain.
• Certification in CPR/First Aid
• Must have valid WHMIS training.
• Valid Ontario Class "G" Driver's License and a current copy of a 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 one (1) year of prior related experience in the field of social or human services.
• Knowledge of community-based Resources and experience networking with government and social service agencies.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Professional administrative skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated and disciplined.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to lift/move more than 20; pounds requires a moderate amount of loading/unloading of vehicles.
• Ability to multi-task, creative and well organized.
• Attentive listening skills.
• Demonstrate a high level of integrity, good judgment and ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality
• Capable of establishing and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships and able to work as an effective team member with limited direct supervision
• Demonstrated ability to work within a computerized environment; proficiency in Microsoft Office (specifically WORD)
• Should possess a caring and positive attitude.
• Personnel policies and procedures shall be in conformity with the Salvation Army's Employee Handbook.
• Satisfactory communication skills which include an ability to narrate an incident.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.
• Be able to obtain clearance through the Enhanced Reliability Screening through Corrections Canada.
• 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.

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.