Community Services Worker

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.

Job Description:

Accountabilities:

Food Bank and Pantry Operations

• Responsible for overall food bank operations - processing, unloading, documenting, and sorting donations of food for the Food Bank program and assist with preparing donated items for distribution.
• Responsible for advising supervisor of food shortages, receiving, and recording all non-monetary Food Bank donations.
• Maintain food bank stock, cleanliness, tidiness, and organization of food bank area, if needed assist with food drives.
• Ensure that all clients are treated with dignity and respect.
• Receive phone calls for food bank intake.
• Record statistical data in a clear, organized, and accurate manner.
• Breakdown boxes and dispose properly after deliveries made to food bank.

Driving and Warehouse Support

• Drive Salvation Army vehicles to pick up food donations from donors, grocery stores, warehouses, and food drives as required.
• Load and unload food safely and place items in designated storage areas.
• Conduct pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections.
• Document/report any vehicle incidents, damage or mechanical failures or concerns to the Corps Officer in a timely manner.
• Maintain cleanliness of vehicles and comply with transportation safety standards.
• Responsible for daily and overall safety, maintenance, operation of vehicle, and records of the vehicle.

Client Intake Support

• Provide basic support to client intake processes when required, including receiving phone calls and assisting with scheduling or documentation.
• Refer clients to other community resources or Corps Officer for pastoral assistance where appropriate.
• Actively promote Guelph Corps and Community Services programs to food bank clients.
• Refer clients to intake staff for full assessment and casework support.

Financial and Administration

• Maintain accurate, confidential records of client information on The Salvation Army’s computer system (such as Link2Feed) while maintaining confidentiality.
• Record statistical and program data accurately and in a timely manner.
• 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.

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.
• Record fridge and freezer temperatures, report unexplained discrepancies to Corps Officer.
• Work in compliance with Safe Food Handling practices.
• Record fridge and freezer temperatures, report unexplained discrepancies to Corps Officer.

Perform other position related duties as required.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:

Governance Boards and Councils: N/A

Internal:

• Corps Officer, supervisor, volunteers, staff.

External:

• Community, clients.

MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position reports directly to the Corps Officer or designate.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• None.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a regular part -time position based on 20 hours per week.
• Flexibility in scheduling is required.
• Ability to lift/move up to 30 lbs.
• Working environment is typically in the office in generally agreeable conditions.
• Ability to perform reaching, bending, and stooping frequently; working in a standing position for long periods of time.
• Schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities – some weekend and evening work may be required.
• Your supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule.
• Some travel up to 10% of time required with this position for picking up food etc.

Normal hours of work – Operational hours are Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The hours of work and work schedule will be set by the supervisor as per operational requirements which are Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and includes a ½ hour unpaid meal break where applicable.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision, and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of a Community College Diploma in Social Services work or equivalent.
• Safe Food Handlers Certification or willing to obtain.
• Must possess a valid Class G- class driver’s license and provide a driver’s abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army in its sole discretion.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Minimum of two (2) years of prior related experience in providing casework services, documenting, and maintaining case files, working collaboratively with other service providers, and working with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong one to one counselling skills and experience.
• Proficient computer skills in all aspects of Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of community-based resources is required and experience networking with government and social service agencies.

Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Capabilities:

• 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-facet