Community and Family Services Advocate

HOURS:

• Full Time 37.5 hours a week

REPORTING:

• This position reports directly to the Executive Director

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The working environment is typically in the office in generally agreeable conditions but could also include other environments such as outside or in a warehouse setting.
• The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with the salvation army’s mission statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian standards of conduct.

• Work within the Community and Family Services Department providing services to individuals and families in need.
• Supervision of CFS Assistant and Canada Summer Students
• Attend & participate in the weekly team meetings.
• Attend other agency meetings as requested by Executive Director or Business Manager
• Attend in-house meetings such as Management, O H & S and Supervisory meetings.
• Work closely with other Salvation Army Departments such as the Corps Ministries and Thrift Store to assist with the program needs.
• Work with outside agencies to fulfill Community & Family Services mandate, referring individuals and families depending on the assistance needed.
• Ensure statistical information is collected and provided to the Business Manager each month and quarterly reports completed to meet funders requirements.
• Facilitate a bridge between Family Services and the Pastoral Services by highlighting special events or by personally inviting clients to join us for worship
• Represent The Salvation Army at work-related events.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Coordinate with CFS Assistant and Canada Summer Jobs Assistant
• Ensure staff member(s) are fully aware of all current policies and procedures, especially fire and occupational health and safety.
• Train staff member(s) in all aspects of Community & Family Services work.
• Family Services Assistance– Clients Within the guidelines of the Community & Family Services Policies and Procedures, provide clients with assistance.  Be available to listen and give sound advice and pray with individuals, if requested or deemed necessary. Give referrals to other agencies if applicable and depending on the need.  Interview clients to determine need(s) and support where we are able.  The Community and Family Services Advocate will obtain documentation of client information, enter data into the computerized program, discuss options and follow up with the client.  A monthly budget will be completed for clients requesting financial assistance.  Assistance varies from emergency help, programming and food hampers, etc. Clients consist of both individuals and families. A statistical report of assistance given will be provided to the Executive Director or Business Manager.
• Christmas – During the season, coordinate Adopt a Family which consists of determining recipients during hamper interviews, in conjunction with other agencies to ensure duplication does not occur. The Community and Family Services Advocate is contacted by those willing to sponsor a family and arrangements are made. Separate accounting is kept by the Community and Family Services Advocate. After the Christmas event is completed a report is to be prepared, including statistics and assistance given. Copies of this report will be given to the Business Manager and the Executive Director.
• Emergency Food Hampers/Bridge Hampers Determine the Client’s needs and Prepare Emergency Food Hampers to be picked up or delivered.
• Other Family Services Programs- Conduct a Needs Assessment to determine what program(s) would be beneficial to our clients and the community, ensuring no duplication of services. etc.  Organize and deliver the program or find a facilitator willing to conduct the program.  Assess the results and provide recommendations, statistics as well as a quarterly report to the Programs Manager. As well as ensure our current programs are run effectively with them present: Moms& Tots, Building Blocks, Art Program, and POH (Pathway of Hope program)

Education/Certifications:

• Consideration to applicants with post-secondary education in social sciences or related fields. Applicants with related (minimum) 3 years of working experience will also be considered for an interview.

Experience:

• Former experience in Family Services or related work would be considered an asset.
• Experience in Life Skill courses would enhance new program offerings.

Required Skills/Knowledge:

• Highly organized and detail orientated individual.
• Compassionate and tactful.
• Computer literate.
• Available to work additional hours if required.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to work independently as well as a team player.
• Provide an acceptable Criminal Record with a Vulnerable Sector check upon hiring.
• Possess or willingness to take courses on basic First Aid, WHMS and food handling, etc.
• Open to attending job-related courses and training.
• Familiar with departmental financial management and able to operate and understand budget requirements.  Ability to take part in fiscal budget applications for funding.

Successful candidates, prior to hiring, may be required to provide:

• Background check consent
• A clear vulnerable sector screening
• Clean drivers abstract
• Completion of our online Armatus Abuse Training and required Health and Safety training

The Salvation Army will accommodate candidates as required under applicable human rights legislation.   If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please inform us of your requirements. 

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

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