Community Service Specialist - Hope Market

Job Description

Job Description

MISSION STATEMENT :

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

SCOPE OF POSITION :

The Community Services Specialist provides emergency assistance to eligible participants. This position will follow the policies and procedures for the Community Services Department under the direction of the Community Services Program Manager. The Community Services Specialist will be responsible for receiving food orders and stocking the food bank. The Community Services Specialist will assist participants in picking out their food in the food pantry and will assist participants in dealing with an emergency and becoming self-sufficient. The Community Services Community Specialist will work as a team to provide services and assist in daily operations of the Community Services Office, including the Food Bank, Emergency Services, and seasonal events.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE :

• High school diploma or equivalent, preferably will have an AA degree or higher with work experience
• Experience working with low-income and vulnerable people

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED :

• Ability to safely perform physical aspects of the job, including lifting up to 50 pounds and standing or walking for 8 hours a day
• Must be flexible
• Attention to detail
• Must have the ability to empathize with and advocate for low-income and vulnerable people, and to maintain confidentiality with personal information
• Must be willing to cross-train and fill-in as needed in other TSA programs
• Must be proficient in typing, data entry, and organization
• Must be self-motivated and work with minimal supervision
• Preferably will have the knowledge of social services and local resources
• Valid driver’s license
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check
• Microsoft Word and Excel, Access, and Publisher required
• Must have a working knowledge or be able to learn Lotus Notes and aptitude and ability to learn related technical skills
• Working knowledge of integrated database applications and ability to use new software programs with basic training
• Must be proficient in typing, data entry, and organization

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES :

• Maintain the food bank; including ordering, accepting and getting food, stocking shelves, organizing the food bank area, and notifying the Community Services Program Manager of any situation that arises
• Breakdown and restock product from pallets
• Restock shelves and walk-ins throughout the day
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment in the food pantry and the warehouse

Client Management:

• Interview applicants to determine eligibility for use of social services programs and agency resources
• Responsible for monitoring and recording food distributions to clients
• Follow up with participants on their status
• Network with TSA programs and the community to provide referrals and resources to participants
• Perform tasks required in the Community Services Office, which may include but not be limited to:
  • Food Bank Operations
  • Case Management
  • Emergency Assistance Programs (rental, utility, clothing, etc.)
  • Life Skills Classes including the Demonstration Kitchen
  • Computer Lab Operations
  • Seasonal and Special Events

Administration:

• Will follow policies and procedures for the programs offered under the direction of the Community Services Program Manager
• Keep within budget for program expenses
• Assist with seasonal/special events
• Attend meetings and events as required by the Community Services Program Manager and TSA
• Represent The Salvation Army and its programs at meetings and events
• Regularly gathers and distributes resources for the Community Services Office and other programs
• Perform other tasks as assigned
  • Working in other departs such as: Visitation, Stepping Stones, Shelter, and Special Events

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
• Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead
• Ability to operate a telephone
• Ability to operate a desktop or laptop computer
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis
• Ability to access and produce information from a computer
• Ability to understand written information

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled