Full Time Community & Family Services Worker

The Community and Family Services Worker’s role is to assist families who are seeking either aid and assistance from, or have been referred to the Ottawa Booth Centre Community and Family Services.  This includes ensuring the emergency food bank is well stocked and organized with needed items.

Food Bank

• Receive and sort products as they arrive in the Centre
• Move products from different locations in the Centre as space becomes available in the Food Bank and stock shelves as necessary
• Ensure all food items are fresh and remove any items that may become stale-dated
• Pack upwards of 50 grocery bags daily
• Transfer full grocery bags from Food Bank to CFS office and then to clients
• Responsible for the organization, maintenance and general cleanliness of the food bank

Client Services

• Verify client needs and ensure they meet eligibility criteria
• Obtain appropriate documentation and signed release forms as required under the privacy-related  legislation (latest revision)
• Identify and assess client needs, considering the whole person/family unit, including practical, emotional and spiritual needs
• Provide written and verbal referrals to other agencies and workers when appropriate
• Deliver services in accordance with established protocols; this includes, but is not limited to:

o   Issue emergency food bags, clothing vouchers, household vouchers and emergency bus tickets transportation

o   Make recommendations for financial assistance

o   Provide information regarding other appropriate services provided by the Ottawa Booth Centre, including spiritual care services

o   Provide services and follow-up support to emergency response victims as required

• Responsible for ensuring the CFS office is welcoming while ensuring that clients maintain their dignity

Administration:

• Input client information in The Salvation Army CMS electronic system
• Maintain complete, accurate, up to date documentation in case files
• Maintain accurate and up to date statistics
• Prepare all necessary forms and letters relating to CFS emergency assistance
• Assist with seasonal programs and services
• Provide relief reception duties as necessary

Community Liaison:

• Network with community partners, including other Salvation Army units, who are referral agencies and/or sources of assistance for clients
• Attend community meetings as requested by the Supervisor of Community and Family Services

Education/Certifications:

• Relevant community college/university education in social services or related disciplines

Experience:

• Minimum two years’ experience working with a similar disadvantaged client population in an urban setting, effectively identifying and assessing their individual needs
• Experience in working cooperatively with community resource agencies, particularly in negotiating and advocating for client’s needs

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• Strong written documentation and correspondence skills
• Strong computer skills, including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Must be able to lift and move up to 20 pounds unassisted
• Must be able to endure physical activity for long periods
• Valid ‘G’ driver’s license is an asset
• Bilingualism preferred (English and French)

Successful candidate will be required to provide upon hiring:

• A clear vulnerable sector screening
• A clean drivers abstract
• Participate in our online Armatus Abuse Training and Health and Safety training required upon hiring, as well as updated annually

HOURS: 40 hours per week. Monday to Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm

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.