Community Services Worker - (Canada Summer Jobs)

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

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.

Job Description:

Position Purpose summary:

The Community Services Worker assists individuals and families who are seeking aid and assistance from, or have been referred to, The Salvation Army Owen Sound CC.  This position also provides support to programs provided by the Community Services.

Accountabilities:

Client Services and Programs

• Conduct initial intake application and screen clients for general emergency assistance, including food, clothing household needs, referrals etc. 
• Ensure that the facility is tidy and clean, adequate stock levels, sort and process donated goods and process clients through programs.
• Assist with food bank operations, ordering and/or receipt of food donations, recording, general cleanliness, organization.
• Network with referral agencies and/or other community sources as required.
• Participate in community meetings as directed by supervisor.
• Assist with SOS, FAM, Aboriginal Market and Mobile Food Bank Outreach programs.
• Assist at Grey Bruce Food Share Program.
• Assist with overnight camp registrations and organizing of transportation.
• Assist with planning and running of VBS children’s day camp program.    
• Refer clients for pastoral support as required.

Supervision

• Provide direction and support to all family services volunteers, ensuring that they work together to achieve the purpose of the organization and enhance the ministries of The Salvation Army.

Finance & Administration

• Ensure that Ministry Unit policies and procedures are followed for the safe/secure handling of all monetary donations received and appropriate documentation of gift cards and various vouchers is maintained, i.e., milk and clothing vouchers.  
• Maintain written records, logs of activities, including activity reports and statistical information.
• General administrative duties as required, such as answering phones, directing inquiries etc.
• Maintain accurate records of client information in Link2Feed and on The Salvation Army’s computer system while maintaining confidentiality.
• Follow direction on the compliance and adherence to Operating Policies and Procedures (i.e., gift cards, vouchers, etc.)

Health and Safety

• Responsible to work in compliance with the Ontario Health & Safety Act and Regulations.
• Responsible to report any serious health and safety infractions or problems in accordance with policies to the CS Manager. 
• Ensure the Community Services Department is cleaned regularly according to acceptable health standards and that physical property is maintained, arranging for repairs as necessary.
• Report any safety hazards, maintenance problems, equipment or supply needs to the CFS Manager.
• Perform other related duties as required.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Governance Boards and Councils: None

Internal:

• Corps Officer, supervisor(s), staff, volunteers.
• Participate in regular staff meetings to review operational effectiveness, changes in policies and procedures, and in-service training as required.

External:

• Community, clients, and community social service agencies.

MANAGERIAL/Technical Leadership RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position reports directly to the Manager of Community Services or designate.
• This position has no direct reports.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

• Handle grocery store cards.
• Oversee food bank materials management such as donations/product flow and distribution of same.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a temporary position based on 35 hours per week.
• Schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities – with occasional evening and weekend work. 
• The Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule.
• The working conditions are such that in order to meet the operational needs of the job some flexibility is required as it relates to hours of work. 
• Working environment is typically in the Community Services or community partners office/food bank distribution areas or at community programs in generally agreeable conditions. May interact with verbally/physically abusive clients.
• Be able to lift/move up to 50 pounds.
• This job requires reaching, bending and stooping frequently; working in a standing position for periods of time.
• Will be required to wear Salvation Army branded clothing provided by the employer.
• Travel is associated with this position, mainly in the Grey Bruce area.
• Note:  Required to use a program vehicle where applicable.

Normal hours of work: Scheduled as per hours of operation Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This includes a ½ hour unpaid meal break each day.  The hours of work and hours of operation are subject to review as required. 

Normal locations of work:           365 14th Street West, Owen Sound, ON

946 3rd Ave East, Owen Sound, ON

263 10th St East, Owen Sound, ON

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Submit as required a Police Record Check (vulnerable sector check) that is acceptable to The Salvation Army in its sole discretion.   
• This position is funded in part through the Canada Summer Jobs Program and the following represents the applicant criteria:    
• aged 15 to 30 years at the beginning of the employment period;  
• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has  been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment;
• a valid Social Insurance Number;
• be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.  
• International students are not eligible participants.  International students include anyone who is temporarily in Canada for studies and who is not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada.  
• Youth awaiting a refugee status ruling, as well as those who hold a   visitor visa, youth visa or work visa are ineligible
• An ongoing condition of employment is the ability to maintain immigration status to legally remain and work in Canada which is supported by valid immigration documents.    

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision, and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Enrolled in Post Secondary Community College or University program

Experience and Skilled Knowledge

• Knowledge of barriers confronted by people who are disenfranchised, including, but not limited to people living in poverty, with mental health concerns, addictions and/or experiencing homelessness.
• Knowledge of community-based resources and experience networking with community based  agencies.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License, provide an original copy of current driver’s abstract for review and verification that it satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Self-motivated and disciplined.
• Demonstrate a high level of integrity and good judgment.
• Good computer skills and experience using Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to exercise diplomacy, tact, and compassion.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team with minimal supervision in a multi-faceted environment.
• Demonstrated patience and compassion to work with challenging and/or emotionally dependent individuals.
• Ability to prioritize, organize and manage multiple tasks; the ability to complete assignments and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Exhibit good listening skills and strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, integrity, and adaptability.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics.
• Lead by example, by demonstrating a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and be flexible.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability 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 vulnerable sector check search.
• Ability and willingness to provide a valid Safe Food Handlers Certification.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate preferred.
• 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.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $20.09 to $25.11 with a maximum of $30.13.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.