Community & Family Services Manager – Permanent FT – St. Mary’s

The Community and Family Services Manager provides leadership and support to several community-based programs in accordance with Salvation Army mission, values, and standards.  They ensure that resources of the Stratford-St. Marys Regional Community Ministries are being used to their greatest potential in the implementation of The Salvation Army’s mission.

This is a permanent full-time position.  Schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities – some weekend and evening work will be required.  The performance of the job requires the ability to lift/move 40 lbs., reach, bend, twist, and stoop frequently, work in a standing position for long periods, un-packing delivery vehicles, and computer keyboarding.

Travel is required as there are multiple work locations: Stratford, St. Marys and Mitchell.

This position is considered a management position for the purposes of the Employment Standards Act of Ontario and as such is not covered by various ESA rules, including but not limited to those related to hours of work, daily and weekly rest periods and overtime compensation.  Salary is based on average minimum 37.5 hours per week. Hours worked are compensated through the annual salary amount.

Permanent full-time employment with The Salvation Army will provide you with a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes:  generous vacation, sick days, employer matching RRSP contributions, Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, Christmas Grant, on-site training, Employee Family Assistance Program benefits [EFAP] and Divisional Retreats.

Interested applicants must respond in writing with a cover letter and resume.

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

1. Programs

• Give oversight to community ministries programs, ensuring ministry objectives are consistently accomplished and that a spiritual focus is applied to all program initiatives.
• Lead the process of intake services, client assessment, and emergency assistance for clients, as well as referring clients to other Salvation Army and community services.
• Oversee food bank operations – ordering and/or receipt of food donations, recording, general cleanliness; organization; ensure that all inventory is maintained at an appropriate level to enable efficient service delivery without waste or misuse; that food (including perishable items) is stored safely.
• Ensure that all duties are completed in accordance with the principles, standards, policies, and procedures of The Salvation Army.
• Network with other TSA, government, and community social service providers to coordinate resources for the benefit of clients and programs.
• Provide appropriate referrals to clients for other resources available in the community to meet basic needs as identified by the client (i.e., housing, clothing, day care, income supports, employment issues and medical, etc.)
• Coordinate/Organize annual donation and fund-raising efforts and/or special or seasonal programs and events (i.e., Food Drives, Christmas Kettle Campaign, and Christmas Hampers, etc.)
• May engage and implement a local Emergency Response Plan, assisting with provincial/federal emergencies as required.
• In consultation with the Corps Officer develop appropriate services for the clients of the Community and Family Services Department which include identified program goals; regularly reviewing and revising, if necessary, the effectiveness of the services.
• Ensure that the processes established to ensure effective client service delivery are carried out consistently and professionally by all Community and Family Services staff and volunteers.
• Responsible for problem solving complex cases, up to and including the completion of applications, processing of applications, interviewing and follow up with clients and advocacy when required.
• Prepare, deliver, and promote programming throughout the community (schools etc.) through program flyers, promotional materials, and community presentations.

1. Business {Financial/Statistical/Data Management/}

• Provide input in the preparation of an operating budget for the community ministries programs and monitors/changes in financial performance accordingly.
• Maintain accurate records of all family services related donations and purchases coming into Family Services and being provided to families through our programs.
• Prepare and distribute financial, statistical, and operational reports as required by management and outside agencies, donors, and government bodies.
• Market and promote the Community and Family Services Department with current/potential funding sources and identify fundraising opportunities; may involve input into proposal grant application requests.
• Maintain accurate records of client information on Link2Feed while maintaining confidentiality; prepare/provide statistical data, reports, and monthly statistics as necessary.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare/provide statistical data, reports, and monthly statistics as necessary; ensure that all documentation is clear, concise, and accurate and completed in a timely manner.
• Ensure that information available to staff/clients regarding community resources is up-to-date and accurate.
• Participate in the development, implementation and review of relevant policies and procedures within the context of the Community and Family Services Department.
• Develop and maintain computerized master list of clients, resources, agencies, partners, and other relevant records where applicable.
• Assist the Corps Officer with ongoing strategic planning to ensure programming reflects client need as these may evolve in our changing socioeconomic climate.
• Work with the Corps Officer to ensure that programs (including program reviews, inspections, and audits) meet contractual, legal, and internal requirements.
• In consultation with the Corps Officer evaluate and assess programming to determine potential alternate programming; assist in the development of a strategy to implement such programs which complies with the missional effectiveness criteria.

1. Human Resources

• Provide direction and support to all Community and Family Services staff and volunteers ensuring that they work together to achieve the purpose of the organization and enhance the ministries of The Salvation Army.
• Develop strategies and recommendations for staff and volunteer development.
• Responsible for the recruitment, orientation, training, supervising, scheduling and performance management of staff and volunteers in consultation with the Corps Officer and the Ontario Division – London Office, Employee Relations Department.
• Demonstrate work methods and assist staff and volunteers to achieve the purpose of the organization and enhance the ministries of The Salvation Army.
• Provide ongoing performance coaching and encouragement; ensure that all performance reviews are completed in a timely manner, for all (including probationary reviews).
• Conduct regular staff and volunteer meetings to review operational effectiveness and changes in policies and procedures.
• Provide corrective feedback to improve employee and volunteer performance; positive feedback (reinforcement) to recognize good performance.

1. Communication

• Develop and maintain a good understanding of services provided by external agencies.
• Network with Salvation Army, government, and community partners to identify local needs and resources and maintain an awareness of trends, in order to continue with the delivery of effective programs.
• Serve as a resource person to the Corps Officer in matters of community relations and media as related to the Community and Family Services.
• Ensure accurate communication regarding program(s) is provided to funders, other social service providers, the media, and the general public.
• Handle public relations issues relating to the Community and Family Services Department as directed by the Corps Officer and in coordination with Public Relations department.
• Communicate any maintenance issues in a timely manner to the Corps Officer.
• Communicate regularly with the Corps Officer to ensure consistent adherence to Community and Family Services Policies and Procedures as needed.
• Determine and submit requests regarding operational needs and supplies as necessary.

1. Health and Safety

• Manage health/safety, employee relations, and other related issues.
• Ensure that the Ministry Unit is maintained regarding appearance, condition and safety as recommended by Public Health etc.
• Ensure the safety and comfort of the ministry unit by maintaining cleanliness and food safety etc.
• Monitor worker safety practices to ensure compliance with health and safety standards, and prepare, submit, and act on incident reports; provide calming intervention as required ensuring the safety of everyone.
• Assist in ensuring that all workers are aware of emergency procedures and are prepared to implement them immediately as necessary; that all workers operate in accordance with Health and Safety legislation, and they adopt safe work practices in line with The Salvation Army policies and procedures.
• Responsible to report any serious infractions or problems in accordance with policies.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completed an Undergraduate University Degree, preferable in Human (Social) Services field or equivalent.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Minimum of three (3) years of prior related experience, including, supervisory experience in a specialized social services program; experience working with multi-barriered persons, individuals with mental health issues.
• Accounting experience and experience preparing an annual budget is required.
• Attentive listening skills for the purpose of supervision, counseling, and conflict resolution.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License, own vehicle, and a 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.
• Knowledge of applicable rules and regulations regarding food bank operations and safe food handling and sanitary requirements.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Sensitivity, awareness, and understanding of client’s needs, problems, interests, skills, deficiencies, and idiosyncrasies.
• Respect and work effectively with individuals of diverse culture, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Proficient in working in a computerized environment must have strong skills using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to maintain information in confidence and exercise good judgement.
• Ability to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member in a cooperative team environment.
• Self-motivated/disciplined.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, integrity, and adaptability.
• Ability to complete assignments and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Lead by example, by demonstrating a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and be flexible in the face of change.
• Represent the organization in a positive, professional, and engaging manner.
• Ability & willingness 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 Background Check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Ability and willingness to provide a valid Safe Food Handlers Certifications and First Aid/CPR Certifications.
• Non-violent crisis intervention training would be an asset.
• 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 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.

Internal Applicants, please advise Department Heads of your intentions prior to submitting your application.