Social Services Worker & Receptionist

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Schedule/Hours: Monday – Friday, 8am to 4:30pm

This position is responsible for:

Provides social service assistance to eligible clients in the following areas: food, lodging, clothing, furniture, and financial assistance; interviews clients to determine need and eligibility to receive services; prepares accurate and complete client records; refers clients to community agencies and maintains effective working relationships with the same; ensures compliance with program policies and procedures; answers the telephone in a courteous manner and directs calls to the appropriate destination; records accurate and complete messages when necessary; receives and receipts deliveries and donations; greets and announces visitors and clients.

Key Responsibilities:

Receptionist and Administrative Responsibilities (50%)

• Answers the telephone and transfers calls to the appropriate destination; responds to callers questions and provides accurate information.

• Telephones others to communicate messages; records accurate and complete messages; ensures the timely and accurate distribution of messages through telephone and/or E-mail.

• Records and updates statistical information; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same; records community assistance into databases.

• Receives, greets and announces visitors in a courteous and tactful manner; provides assistance to callers and visitors by answering questions and providing instructions and referrals; screens sales representative soliciting to The Salvation Army.

• Notifies proper individuals when visitors or clients have arrived; ensures that visitors and clients have signed-in.

• Adds/deletes names and extensions to the phone list to ensure the list remains up-to-date on a daily basis; proof reads telephone lists for mistakes before list is printed.

• Sorts and distributes mail; ensures all mail reaches appropriate destination; assists with preparing bulk-mail.

• Prepares and files client records in a timely manner ensuring all information is accurate and up-to-date; obtains signatures of clients as needed; reviews and tracks all client records in order to determine if client is active or inactive; maintains confidentiality of client information.

• Completes and submits paperwork to Adult Probation Services; serves as a liaison to parole officers and completes court-ordered paperwork.

Food Pantry and Donations Responsibilities (30%)

• Prepares food bags/boxes according to the number of family members; packs food items in boxes and marks boxes accordingly to distribute to clients.

• Receives, inspects and sorts donated food items according to the category and condition.

• Coordinates the retrieval, storage, and distribution of food and commodities for the program.

• Prepares labels for food, packages food.

• Monitors expiration dates on all food in the pantry; discards outdated or damaged food.

• Keeps food pantry organized and well-stocked; lifts and carries items to the appropriate destination for distribution to clients.

• Maintains food pantry area in a neat and orderly manner; cleans floors, tables, and work areas.

• Determines the appropriate amount of food to order for the program; maintains and organizes an adequate inventory of food and supplies for the Food Program; ensures the supply meets the needs of the program; informs Corps Officers of supplies needed; prepares records and charts to be used to facilitate/document the distribution of food and supplies to clients.

• Receives and prepares receipts for monetary and non-monetary donations, packages, airline tickets, express mail and items delivered to the lobby; notifies proper individuals of item arrival by telephone and/or E-mail.

Social Services Responsibilities (20%)

• Greets and interviews clients requesting assistance to determine client's eligibility for assistance based on program guidelines and restrictions; records clients disposition and other pertinent information such as income, expenses, family and work history; assists clients in completing applications for assistance; photocopies social security cards, picture identification cards, payroll statements, utility bills, etc.

• Prepares, completes and processes food, clothing and furniture vouchers for eligible clients; directs clients to Family Store or Food Pantry for assistance.

• Locates and arranges temporary housing for eligible clients; contacts local lodges, homeless shelters, motels, churches, etc. for lodging.

• Processes rent and utility financial assistance for eligible clients; contacts utility organizations and landlords to arrange and process financial assistance.

• Assists eligible clients needing transportation assistance based on medical or relocation needs; arranges transportation through bus-line and contacts family members, friends, churches for assistance.

• Provides funeral and burial assistance for clients; contacts funeral home and cemetery to make arrangements; contacts county courthouse and local agencies to determine available funds.

• Serves as liaison to other agencies in order to obtain/coordinate assistance on client's behalf; builds and maintains professional working relationships with community agencies.

Other Responsibilities:

• Prepares copies and maintains balances ensuring the accurate and timely accountability of funds; prepares and records checks for utility companies.

• Drives to the bank or post office as needed.

• Performs related work for special and seasonal projects.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Materials and Equipment:

• Personal Computer General Office Equipment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of effective and efficient methods for organizing and maintaining records and ability to perform the same.

• Knowledge of social service practices and principles.

• Skill in Microsoft Word and Excel applications with the ability to effectively create and maintain Spreadsheets.

• Ability to interview clients in order to evaluate and serve their needs.

• Ability to determine client eligibility for program assistance based on specific program guidelines and restrictions.

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with the public and community agencies.

• Ability to prepare accurate and complete client records, reports and statistics.

• Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of people and remain sensitive to their concerns.

• Ability to present a positive and professional image of The Salvation Army.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to meet attendance requirements.

• Ability to read, write and communicate the English language effectively.

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

• Ability to type and keypunch information into a computer.

• Ability to sort and file documents alphabetically and numerically.

• Ability to operate various general office equipment including a telephone, computer and adding machine.

• Ability to perform continuous walking, stooping, standing, and climbing while functioning in the food pantry capacity.

• Duties are usually performed seated. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking.

• Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light to moderately heavy objects (less than 50 lbs.) frequently.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a normal office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like.

• Work may require driving a vehicle where there may be discomforts associated with heavy traffic or changes in weather.

Employee Benefits:

• Paid Time Off
• Affordable Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance Available
• Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match
• Employer Paid Basic Term Life Insurance
• Employer Paid Short-Term Disability
• Employer Paid Parental Leave
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance Plans and more!

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN YOU

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or G.E.D.,

and

• Two years experience working in a social or public service environment with experience assisting the public,

or

• any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certifications:

• Valid State Drivers License

Equal Opportunity Employer: Veterans | Disabled