Social Services Assistant

Overview

Location: Willimantic Corps (Willimantic, CT)

Hours Per Week: 20

Schedule: Tuesday-Friday; 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Scope of Position: Assist with providing services to individuals in need, including food and personal hygiene items, clothing and furniture vouchers, rent and utility assistance, referrals to community resources, and seasonal programming. Assist clients with identifying and addressing the root causes of their situation. Work with Corps Officer(s) to coordinate aspects of the food pantry in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate respect and professionalism with clients, staff, the community, and volunteers.
• Maintain confidentiality in all job-related matters.
• Administer the daily operation of the Emergency Assistance Program, including interviews, referrals, and client assistance.
• Coordinate voucher program for shelter, utility, clothing, and furniture.
• Discuss special cases with the supervisor, attempting to resolve client situations.
• Greet clients and provide them with the necessary forms to be assisted.
• Make appointments for clients who need services.
• Maintain a database of community resources to refer clients to other locations that may help address their needs.
• Perform interviews for clients seeking material assistance from The Salvation Army.
• Provide clients with information and referrals to appropriate Salvation Army programs and other community resources.
• Refer clients seeking spiritual guidance to the Corps Officers.
• Attend social service agency meetings, relating to the services The Salvation Army provides.
• Inform community agencies and other appropriate sources about the goals and objectives of the Emergency Assistance Program.
• Keep abreast of community issues and services by visiting other community agencies.
• Coordinate all aspects of the food pantry in accordance with established policies, including ordering food, ensuring that the appropriate paperwork is completed and maintained, and submitting monthly statistics to Foodshare.
• Order all food and related items to stock the food pantry adequately.
• Perform necessary errands to get food and other essential items as needed, including weekly trips to Food Share.
• Receive all foods when delivered, check all deliveries for accuracy.
• Store all foods, as scheduled, neatly upon delivery.
• Answer phones in an appropriate and timely manner; filtering out telemarketers, taking messages, and managing incoming faxes.
• Assist in the daily maintenance of the social services office organization, including typing, filing, mailings, ordering supplies, etc.
• Check emails daily and respond accordingly and in a timely manner.
• Complete all documentation timely and accurately, including client case notes.
• Coordinate monthly statistics on all services provided and submit them accordingly.
• Maintain accurate records with pertinent information, including client demographics and a plan of action.
• Maintain confidential client files, including a record of services provided and case notes in the computer database.
• Maintain a clean, orderly desk and office area and keep confidential information secured.
• Assist in the application process of Corps’ summer activities, camper registration, and VBS registration.
• Assist in the team coordination of various social services programs, activities, and services, including seasonal programming, such as Youth Camp, Senior Camp, Adopt-a-Family, Angel Tree, Holiday Meals, etc.
• Interview, train, and supervise community service and other volunteers in conjunction with the supervisor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; an associate or bachelor’s degree in social services or related field is preferred.
• A minimum of two years of work experience in social services or a related field is required.
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to organize responsibilities, multitask, and function independently.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred; proficiency in spoken and written English is required.
• Demonstrate ability to engage with diverse populations.
• Demonstrate discretion, integrity, and confidentiality in dealing with all matters.
• Detail-oriented with a keen attention to accuracy and confidentiality.
• Excellent time management skills.
• High energy level and solid work ethic, as well as the ability to respond to changing conditions.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Works well in a team atmosphere.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.
• Must complete KeepSAfe and other required training upon hire.
• Will respect and promote the interests of The Salvation Army. The individual is not required to embrace the tenets of faith, but they are required to promote and respect the mission of The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army is pleased to offer a benefits program to part-time employees who work 20 to 29 hours per week, including...

• Employer-funded pension plan (100% vested after five years of eligible service)
• Voluntary life insurance
• Short-term disability coverage (no cost to employee)
• Supplemental insurance coverage options (Aflac, homeowners, auto, and pet insurance)
• 403(b) tax-deferred annuity plan
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Most importantly – a job with a great purpose, inspiring you to make a difference every day!

Learn more about The Salvation Army's Southern New England Division at  

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.