Overview

Location: Norwich Service Unit (Norwich, CT)

Status: Part-time

Hours Per Week: 27.5

Schedule:Tues 8:30 am – 5:00 pm; Wed 8:30 am – 3:00 pm; Thurs 8:30 am – 4:00 pm; & Fri 8:30 am – 1:30 pm

Purpose of Position: Shall provide various services to individuals in need, including food and personal hygiene items, clothing and furniture vouchers, rent and utility assistance, referrals to community resources, seasonal programming, etc. Assist clients with identifying and addressing the root causes of their situation.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating various social services programs, activities, and services, including Youth Camp, Senior Camp, Adopt a Family, Angel Tree, Back-to-School assistance, Holiday Meals, etc.
• Attend social service agency and community meetings directly relating to the services The Salvation Army provides clients. Keep abreast of community issues and services by visiting other community agencies as time allows.
• Discuss special cases with the supervisor attempting to resolve client situations.
• Ensure monthly reimbursement requests are submitted to maintain the Designated Fund Balance.
• Facilitate annual kettle campaign and coordinate with local Corps Officers to partner with available retailer locations.
• Maintain a Personal Hygiene Closet, as needed.
• Maintain confidential client files, including a record of services provided and case notes in the computer database, if applicable. Maintain accurate records with pertinent information, including client demographics and action plans.
• Maintain operations of the Food Pantry to include upholding the guidelines provided by CT Foodshare and securing food items from the CT Food Share that are not offered through ongoing donations, as needed.
• Oversee the daily maintenance of the social services office organization. Tasks may include general office management such as typing, filing, computer use, mailing preparation, maintaining a list of local resources for client referrals, and answering the telephone.
• Participate in in-service training, as offered by The Salvation Army. Attend seminars, workshops, and other educational opportunities that would enhance the skills relating to this position as directed by the supervisor.
• Produce and submit statistical reports and forms to meet deadlines.
• Provide clients with information and referrals to appropriate Salvation Army and community programs/resources.
• Provide direct service to clients including, but not limited to, intake/assessment, referrals, advocacy, and the provision of material assistance such as food, clothing vouchers, furniture vouchers, personal hygiene items, gift cards, and Operation Fuel assistance based upon guidelines, available resources, and the policies and procedures of The Salvation Army.
• Refer clients seeking spiritual guidance to nearby Corps Officers.
• Represent The Salvation Army at social service community functions as availability permits.
• Support municipal emergency response efforts with the Divisional Secretary for Business Administration and Emergency Disaster Coordinator.
• Track all incoming donations, forward them to DHQ, and provide acknowledgment to donors.
• Track and report all gift cards and in-kind donations promptly.
• Work with the supervisor and Divisional Volunteer Coordinator to grow and develop a solid volunteer base to support the local services.
• Work within the budget, tracking all grant, EFSP, etc. expenditures to ensure expenditures by the grant phase deadline.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; an associate or bachelor’s degree in social services or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of two years of work experience in social services, food pantry, casework, or related field is required.
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize responsibilities and function independently
• Able to maintain ethical conduct in accordance with organizational policy and conduct business in a manner consistent with the organization's mission, values, and policies.
• Able to work without close supervision on assigned duties and be willing to seek and accept supervision as needed.
• Demonstrate excellent ability to engage with diverse populations and sensitivity to issues related to poverty and the barriers faced by low-income people.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including empathetic listening.
• Excellent time management skills required
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Must have a high energy level and solid work ethic, as well as the ability to respond to changing conditions
• Must work well in a team atmosphere
• Proficient in spoken and written English. Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.
• Unquestioned confidentiality with sensitive financial and personal information.
• Valid CT Driver’s license and the ability to obtain and maintain driving privileges per Salvation Army insurance standards.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and the Internet.
• Will respect and promote the interest of The Salvation Army. The individual is not required to embrace the tenets of faith, but he/she is required to promote and respect the mission of The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army is pleased to offer a benefit 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
• Eligibility for the Federal Government’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Most importantly – a job with a great purpose! 

Learn more about The Salvation Army's Southern New England Division at https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southern-new-england/ 

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.