Full Time Community and Family Services Associate

The Community and Family Services Associate provides assistance to individuals and families who are seeking aid and assistance from, or have been referred to, The Salvation Army.  This position provides support to the Food Bank Program and other programs provided by Community and Family services.  The Community and Family Services Associate provides a high impact case management approach for specific client households. This approach focuses on identifying and addressing root causes for families living in poverty. They provide casework services through the Pathway of Hope (POH) approach utilizing a strengths-based approach to interview, assess, and formulate a plan of action to assist families in moving from crisis to stability

Client Services and Programs

• Coordinate/organize annual donation and fundraising efforts and/or special or seasonal programs (Food Drives, Donation Drives, Christmas Program, Toy Distribution, Summer Camps, Community Dinners, etc.) as needed.
• Conduct initial intake application and screen clients for general emergency assistance, including food, clothing household needs, referrals etc.
• Assist in ensuring that the food bank is tidy and clean, ensure enough stock, sort and process donated goods, process clients through the food bank and record any food donations.
• Assist with food bank operations – ordering and/or receipt of food donations, recording, general cleanliness; ensure the general principles of safe food handling are adhered to and oversee the organization of food in the warehouse according to safe food handling policies and practices.
• Work closely with other local ministry unit personnel to form an interdisciplinary team to work with families from a holistic perspective.
• Assist with community ministries programs and aid in ensuring that ministry objectives are consistently accomplished and that a spiritual aspect is applied to all program initiatives.

• May network with referral agencies and/or other community sources of assistance, as required.
• Participation at community meetings/client referrals as directed by supervisor.
• Provide referrals to appropriate ministry offered by the Bracebridge Community Church Corps (e.g., KidzOwn, Church, Spiritual Counselling, Baby Song, Seniors Lunches, Food Explorers, VBS, Camping Ministries, etc.)
• Assist in coordinating seasonal activities provided by the Community and Family Services i.e. Christmas Assistance Program, Camp Programs; assist with other program development(s)
• Develop goal plans with POH client families and schedule regular meetings to review progress and engage in further planning.
• For specific client households, perform all aspects of the case management process using the Pathway of Hope (POH) approach (selection, intake, assessment, goal planning, action, transition, and follow-up.)
• Maintain a Pathway of Hope Caseload of two to five participant files at a time.
• Provide information and referral services as needed for clients, may also include individuals who are not eligible for support through the Pathway of Hope program; engage and build rapport with the target population.
• Assist POH clients in making connections within the community which will support them in accessing community resources.
• May attend regional Pathway of Hope meetings monthly (in-person or via telephone/video conference).
• Attend training sessions that support the initial implementation phase and ongoing training for the sustained delivery of Pathway of Hope.
• Work closely with other local ministry unit personnel to form an interdisciplinary team to work with families from a holistic perspective.
• Provide support and assist with Emergency Disaster Response as directed.

Finance & Administration:

• Input data into Link2Feed; complete and submit all statistical reports in a timely manner
• Maintain confidentiality and keep accurate participant files and statistical records
• Periodically review program assistance guidelines with supervisor
• Conduct all administrative duties as outlined with due diligence
• Follow direction on the compliance and adherence to Operating Policies and Procedures (i.e., gift cards, vouchers, etc.)
• Maintain case files for each POH family and accurate records of client information on The Salvation Army’s computer system while providing statistical reports and maintaining confidentiality in accordance with The Salvation Army policy and applicable legislation.
• General administrative duties as required, such as answering phones, directing inquiries etc.

Volunteer Support

• Oversee and support scheduled volunteers for Railside deliveries, stocking of shelves, food donation pickups, food purchasing, Christmas distribution; demonstrate work methods, and ensure they work together to achieve the purpose of the organization and enhance the ministries of The Salvation Army.

Health and Safety

• Ensure that the Community & Family Services and Food Bank area is tidy in relation to appearance, condition and safety as recommended by Public Health etc.
• Adhere to all Health and Safety Standards and the specific requirements regarding COVID-19 as per the local Health Unit.
• Ensure the safety and comfort of the ministry unit by maintaining cleanliness and food safety etc.

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures

Perform other related duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a permanent full-time position based on 40 hours per week
• Flexibility in scheduling is required, some weekend and evening work may be required.
• The Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule.
• This job requires reaching, bending, and stooping frequently; working in a standing position for periods of timeSchedule to be set by the supervisor and some flexibility in scheduling required, some weekend and evening work may be required.
• Ability to lift/move 20 to 29 lbs.
• Local travel up to 10% of time is associated with this position, between multiple work locations and on occasion pick-up food donations, attend community meetings, purchase food and/or supplies.
• May be exposed to disagreeable people including the occasional angry and/or abusive client/public, working with people from all walks of life and backgrounds
• Required to wear Salvation Army branded clothing provided by the employer

• Completion of a two (2) year Community College Diploma in a human service field, i.e., Social Services Worker, Community Worker, Developmental Services Worker, Therapeutic Recreation, Child, and Youth Worker.
• A University Degree in a relevant field of study would be a definite asset, i.e., Bachelor of Social Work, or Bachelor of Arts in a social services field such as Psychology, Sociology etc.)

• NOTE: Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered

Experience and 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, community outreach, and working with people of diverse backgrounds.
• 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.
• Knowledge of community-based resources is required and experience networking with government and social service agencies.
• Have a keen interest in the social services sector and possess a genuine concern for and interest in the marginalized of society.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member in a cooperative team environment.
• Proficient computer skills in all aspects of Microsoft Office
• High standards of integrity; demonstrated ability to use sound judgment when making decisions, ensuring confidentiality and an ability to model the values of The Salvation Army.
• Self-motivated – Able to plan work activities and priorities associated with each client.
• Driven – Advocates, supports, and motivates clients.
• Relationship building – Demonstrated ability to build positive, productive, and supportive. relationships with the community, corps members, clients, and other staff.
• Team – Respects and relies on a TEAM approach in supporting the client.
• Problem solving – Creates action plans to help break down barriers to achieving client goals
• Client centered – Willingness to listen and learn from each client with compassion and dignity
• Organizational commitment – Understanding and ability to uphold the ethical and social norms of the organization.
• Communication – strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills
• 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 Vulnerable Sector search as required.
• Ability and willingness to provide a valid Safe Food Handlers Certification and First Aid/CPR Certification.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate preferred.
• 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.

Internal Applicants must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.