Community & Family 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:

Position Purpose Summary:

The Community & Family Services Worker provides services to family services clients in a compassionate and caring manner, in accordance with the Mission Vision and Values of The Salvation Army.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Operations/Programming

- Conducts initial intake assessments (including evaluation of client/family protection issues), determining immediate needs and supports needed by the client/family.
- Makes appropriate referrals to internal and external programs/services/resources to best support our clients.
- Responsible for pre-established food donation pickups, including altering the pickup schedule as necessitated by statutory holidays.
- Organize, maintain, and ensure inventory of foodstuffs is maintained according to best before dates and expiry dates. sorting and distribution of donations and disbursement to clients/families.
- Distributes/disposes of food past best before dates according to Food Banks Canada Guidelines for Distributing Food Past the Best before date and local ministry Unit policy.
- Ensures appropriate decanting of bulk food donations into predetermined volumes for distribution to clients.
- Issues food or other assistance as required and permitted under The Salvation Army guidelines.
- Assist with food drives and secure/order food for distribution pre-approved by CFS Manager/Corps Officer.
- Receives monetary donations and issues unofficial/temporary receipt in accordance with the Salvation Army guidelines.
- Receives and/or declines non-monetary donations and sorts and organizes those donations or purchased products following The Salvation Army guidelines.
- Direct workflow and supervise volunteers.  May include involvement in the recruitment, orientation, training, and evaluation of volunteers.
- Assist with various special programming such as food drives, summer camps, Family Service Christmas programs such as Christmas hampers, Kettle Campaign, etc.
- Assist the CFS Program Manager/Corps/Community Ministries Officer to implement, facilitate, and development of Community-based programs.
- Promotes community-based programs internally and externally as required.
- Attends community meetings on behalf of Family Services program as directed.

Administration

- Maintain accurate records of food bank refrigerator and freezer temperatures and reports any issues to Corps/Community Ministries Officer.
- Maintain confidentiality and keep accurate records of client and participant information on Link2Feed.
- Maintain accurate records of the weight of all food bank related donations and purchases coming into family services and distributed or discarded.
- Prepare/provide family service statistical reports according to report type and frequency determined by CFS Program Manager/Corps/Community Ministries Officer.
- Maintain a list of other Community agency services to assist with appropriate client referral to meet identified client needs.
- Answer phone calls and make necessary appointments.

Health and Safety

- Ensures proper cleaning of food bank areas according to predetermined schedules.
- Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s Health & Safety policies and procedures.
- Perform other position related duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

- This is a regular, part-time position with 16 guaranteed hours on Tuesday and Thursday. Additional on-call hours may be available during the week. The CFS Program Manager will set the weekly work schedule.
- Required to drive a Salvation Army program vehicle.
- Flexibility in scheduling is required, some weekend and evening work may be required to accommodate program needs or emergencies.
- The incumbent will/may work under the following disagreeable conditions:

Work-related stress
- Dealing with angry and abusive people
- Dealing with Crisis Situations
- Dirt/Dust/Temperature variations
- Little travel may be associated with this position.
- Expected to lift up-to 50 pounds with assistance (20 to 30 pounds without assistance)
- Requires reaching, bending, and stooping frequently, working in a standing position for periods of time.

Please note: This position requires greater scheduling flexibility during the months of November and December due to donation pickup/distribution for seasonal programming requiring weekend and evening work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Qualifications and Certifications

- Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of two academic years.
- Safe Food Handling and First Aid/CPR Certifications would be an asset.
- Non-violent crisis intervention training to be provided upon hire.
- Provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
- Screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.

NOTE: Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

- Two years of directly related experience, including experience in a social service field preferably involving families, children and youth from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds including experience working with multi-barriered persons, individuals with mental health issues.
- Valid Alberta Class “5” Driver’s License.  An original copy of the current driver’s abstract that it satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
- Knowledge of Food Bank operations and willingness to learn more.
- Knowledge of community-based resources and experience networking with government and social service agencies.
- Ability to coach and motivate others.
- Proficient in the use of computers and databases (particularly Excel, Word, Internet and familiar with Office 365).
- Experience dealing with office equipment and tools.
- Experience working in a variety of social media and web-based platforms.
- Knowledge of, or willingness to learn the standards, policies, and procedures of The Salvation Army.

Skills and Capabilities:

- Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
- Exhibit good listening skills, have strong oral/written communication skills.
- Participate in regular supervision and performance appraisal process.
- Participate in mandatory orientation training, on-going professional development, and training.
- 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.
- Respect and work effectively with individuals of diverse culture, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds.
- Ability to maintain information in confidence and exercise good judgement.
- 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 $21.28 to $26.60 with a maximum of $31.92.
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 [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.