Social Services Assistant

THE SALVATION ARMY

North and Central Illinois Division

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Social Services Assistant

LOCATION/DEPT: Streator 360 Life Center

REPORTS TO: Director of Ministries & Operations

PEOPLE MANAGER: No

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt, Part Time, 25 Hours Per Week

PAY GRADE: 203

PAY RATE: $16.50 - $19.80 Hourly

WHO WE ARE

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to "Doing the Most Good". We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for youth after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need.

JOB SUMMARY

The Social Services Assistant role is responsible for answering the telephone, providing assistance to people in a warm and professional manner, and performing clerical duties. This role also conducts screening interviews with potential applicants, provides clients with intake application paperwork, manages documentation related to assistance, assists in the food pantry, and assists with compilation of statistical data for reporting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides administrative support for related responsibilities including retail management, personal connections, volunteer management and seasonal assistance.
• Assist with receiving visitors. Conduct screenings with all calls & clients that enter the Streator 360 Life Center.
• Answer the telephone and direct calls to the appropriate program.
• Conduct client intakes and assess the level of need; completing all appropriate assessments, paperwork, and gathering documentation.
• Manage the voicemail system, distributing messages or returning calls as needed.
• Maintains accurate client intake & initial referrals for case files, including intake, identity documentation, & follow up letters.
• Provide appropriate referrals for individuals not eligible for Emergency Assistance services. Provide Case Management services as appropriate. Refer Clients for spiritual enrichment upon request.
• Initiates and coordinates the application process for the Seasonal Assistance programs including Angel Tree and senior citizen food vouchers and coordinates the distribution of gifts and senior citizen food vouchers.
• Provide support to those served through the Food Pantry ensuring eligibility guidelines are met. Prepare hygiene and food packages for clients.
• Submit monthly statistics including gifts in kind and social service as required for The Salvation Army and other grants received
• Perform all other duties as related to the Emergency Assistance Program as assigned by the Streator 360 Life Center Director.

Administrative Expectations

• Successfully satisfy the training requirements associated to the position and as required by The Salvation Army.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Education:

High School Diploma preferred, significant experience will be considered in lieu of.

Experience:

One to two years of administrative experience and familiarity with local resources and helping others is preferred.

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
• Close attention to detail and a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to multi-task several projects concurrently
• Must have an interest and ability to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
• Ability to establish and implement policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated awareness of budget resources and cost control, as well as planning and administering budgets.
• Proficiency in computer software applications, including demonstrated experience in using email, MS Office applications.

JOB LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit resources of The Salvation Army that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position. The individual will keep the designated Supervisor informed of all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position may be required to do light to moderate physical work. Sometimes heavier.
• To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment including a PC and potentially make public presentations/interactions.
• The work environment for this position includes an office environment with a low to moderate noise level.
• This individual must be able to travel to meet the needs of the position. A valid MVR is required.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• This position reports to the Director of Ministries & Operations.
• In context related to this position's duties, this individual will interact with a wide range of contacts both internal and external. In these contacts he/she will act as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.

COMPETENCIES

• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
• Resolve conflicts in a positive manner.
• Treat staff, clients, and visitors with courtesy.
• Respect others' property and person.
• Use professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates.
• Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved. Timeliness and accuracy of accomplishing assigned goals will be reviewed. An evaluation of how effective service is provided. Performance will also be determined by outcome information provided during weekly staff meetings and monthly reports.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.