Community Outreach Coordinator – St. Thomas Ministries

This is a permanent, full-time position based on 35 hours per week.  The work schedule is determined in consultation with your supervisor and may vary according to requirements of responsibility.  Applicable shifts include a ½ hour unpaid meal break. Travel is required.  Ability to lift/move 25 lbs.

When on an EDS call the working conditions will be outside or in a service vehicle; may work in a variety of unpleasant weather conditions (rain/snow/extreme heat/cold).  This position requires standing, walking, reaching, bending, and working on a computer and keyboard.   Working with people who have experienced loss, devastation, and are experiencing confusion.  Working with marginalized people who are experiencing homelessness, food insecurity and possible mental health issues and addictions.

Shifts: Flexibility in hours of work and work schedule as participation in response, meetings, and other events may involve long workdays and/or evening/weekend work.

Permanent full-time employment with The Salvation Army (25+ hours per week) will provide you with a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes vacation time, sick days, employer matching RRSP contributions, Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, Christmas Grants and Employee and Family Assistance Program [EFAP] benefits.

 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.

The Salvation Army is an international Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible; its ministry is motivated by love for God and the needs of humanity.

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.

Vision Statement

We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.

Core Values:

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory has four core values:

Hope:                         We give hope through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Service:                     We reach out to support others without discrimination.

Dignity:                     We respect and value each other, recognizing everyone’s worth.

Stewardship:            We responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us

The Community Outreach Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and coordinating local outreach services through the implementation of specific community-based programs and to oversee the mobile feeding program to provide food security to those who are hungry, hurting and in need. Programs are provided within the community of St. Thomas and catchment area in accordance with The Salvation army mission, vision, core values and standards.

Accountabilities:

1. Community Outreach Ministries

• Give oversight to and coordinate specific community outreach ministries programs, e., community ball hockey, life skills classes, Kids Club, day camps etc. as determined within the Community Outreach Ministries profile.
  • Ensure ministry objectives are consistently accomplished and a spiritual focus is applied to all program initiatives.
• Recruit and register children/youth for Salvation Army provincial camping programs; assist with transportation to and from programs, summer camp and deliveries supporting school lunch programs etc.; follow up with children/youth including their families, in order to build relationships and establish active links with the Corps and its mission and ministries.
• Network and refer to TSA or community social service providers to coordinate resources for clients and programs
  • Actively promote St. Thomas Community Outreach Ministry programs within the community.
  • Report any maintenance issues/concerns to the Corps Officer in a timely manner.
  • As appropriate, link clients to the church family and church programs wherever possible.
  • Research and develop materials to supplement the curriculum for the community ministries programming.
  • Create engaging activities for the clients to participate in. develop relationships and assess community needs; review client feedback to determine potential alternate programing; develop strategies for implementation.
• Coordinate and assist with the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign as required.

1. Emergency Disaster Services/Mobile Feeding Program
   • Oversee, implement, and coordinate the Mobile Feeding program based on local area needs
   • Plan, organize, and direct local emergency response within their catchment area that meet local response criteria.
   • Ensure essential team roles covered by qualified personnel. (team lead, food safe certification, driver, cook)
   • Ensure qualified personnel are assigned to operate the vehicle and adhere to EDS vehicle standards
   • Maintain and adhere to Ontario EDS standards; scheduled/ unscheduled maintenance, food service requirements.
   • Ensure that all equipment on the vehicle functions properly and that key local personnel are trained and knowledgeable in using each piece of equipment.
   • Ensure that vehicle is kept in ‘ready-to-deploy’ status, including being fully stocked to feed 50 people with equipment, food and supplies, and full water, fuel, and propane tanks.
   • Direct the loading of the vehicle with prepared food for outreach services.
   • Participate in activities for local disaster response special events, tabletop exercises, and mock disasters etc

1. Human Resources

• Recruit local volunteers and provide oversight, guidance, coaching, and direction to volunteers.
• Ensure that volunteer documentation, training, and certifications are up to date.
• Liaise with Divisional Emergency Disaster Services Coordinator to recruit/train local team of EDS Volunteers.
• Coordinate/schedule volunteers assisting with menu planning, costing, food prep, food distribution for outreach vehicle; participate/clean-up as part of the team.
• Coordinate EDS training opportunities and Safe Food Handling training for volunteers.
• Monitor volunteer services to ensure consistency with program criteria.

1. Administrative/Financial

• In conjunction with the Corps Officer, monitor the Mobile Outreach/EDS operating budget.
• Complete, maintain, and submit reports, forms, and statistics as per ONT EDS standards.
• Maintain all EDS vehicle documentation and logs; maintain up-to-date inventory of all food and non-food items.
• Maintain accurate records of client information in Linked2Feed while maintaining confidentiality and providing operational and statistical reports as needed; complete program reports, logs of activities, and statistical recording as required in a timely, accurate, and organized manner
• Create and maintain an outreach resource database: current listing of volunteers, contacts, and statistics.
• Maintain file of weekly worksheets collating information of numbers of meals served etc.

1. Health & Safety

• Monitor/report concerns regarding adherence to acceptable health standards: cleanliness of the mobile vehicle, documenting food temperatures etc.
• Responsible to use PPE and clothing as directed by the employer; report hazards/dangers; ensure all workers have and wear appropriate attire, identification, and PPE.
• Responsible to report workplace injuries or illness.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations; abide by TSAs health and safety policies and procedures.

MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position reports directly to the Corps Officer or designate.
• The incumbent does not have any direct reports.
• Oversee and be responsible for 4 to 5 volunteers at a time. The number of volunteers will fluctuate as needed

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• Provide input into the Community Outreach budget and monitors expenditures.
• Accountable for moderate management, maintenance, safekeeping, effective usage and distribution of materials and fleet; ensuring their readiness for deployment.
• This role has expenditure authority up to $300.00/month to purchase supplies etc. for the Mobile Feeding program and vehicle expenses

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of a post-secondary education in Recreation and Leisure Services or related field of study.
• Completion of a post-secondary education in Human Services would be an asset.
• Required to complete EDS training modules in The Salvation Army National Disaster Training Program.
• Safe Food Handling and First Aid/CPR Certifications.
• Hold a valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license, provide a copy of a driver’s abstract
• Provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening
• Screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Minimum of two (2) year’s frontline prior related experience in a variety of social service programs, including Emergency Disaster Services and experience recruiting, overseeing, supervising, motivating, and coaching volunteers.
• Knowledge of community-based resources and experience networking with government and social service agencies.
• Experience in emergency planning/preparedness or experience in frontline work with victims of emergency or disaster situations.
• Knowledge of all Salvation Army EDS programs and Salvation Army Social Service programs would be an asset.
• Hands-on experience and human services experience working with the marginalized individuals is required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Teams.
• Develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Attention to detail, problem solving, analytical skills with an ability to plan, organize and prioritize.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Excellent networking skills, with the ability to coordinate and supervise volunteers.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment as well as independently when required, providing necessary information and documentation.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work and manage stress during critical response initiatives.
• Experience performing administrative tasks: ability to enter data and perform statistical analysis efficiently and accurately.